A SAFETY campaigner who lost her son in a chip pan fire has seen her work recognised by the Prime Minister.

Lynn Ford, who has educated hundreds of people about fire safety and campaigned to phase out old fashioned chip pans, has been named a Point of Light by David Cameron.

The campaigner, whose son Andrew died in December 2005, also helped Cleveland Fire Brigade to launch its Ban the Pan initiative.

And since then, the Stockton mother has volunteered hundreds of hours with the Cleveland Fire Support Network to share her experiences and educate the local community in fire safety whilst also raising more than £10,000 for the brigade.

Some of the money raised through sales of a poetry book she wrote following her son's death, has been used to buy deep fryers for people who wish to trade in their old chip pan, and provide emotional and practical assistance to those affected by fire.

She has also helped with the ‘wish list’ initiative, which offers a gift back to families of something they have lost or need support with since the fire.

She said: "I feel very honoured and privileged to accept the award from the Prime Minister, I am a volunteer and trustee for the Cleveland Fire Support Network who do a wonderful job to help and support the people in our community.

"I became involved after the tragic loss of my son Andrew in a chip pan fire; since then I have tried to make people aware of the dangers around our homes, especially leaving cooking unattended."

Mr Cameron said: "Lynn has used her compassion and personal experience to help others through difficult and often devastating times. Her important work raising awareness of fire safety and visiting people in their own homes is incredibly touching, and fully deserving of her Point of Light award."