AN 11-year-old boy could have turned a busy shopping street to ash in minutes, according to magistrates.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to arson after starting a fire in a room at the back of Clintons Cards on Portland Walk, Barrow, on October 15 last year.

Appearing at South Cumbria Youth court yesterday (16), he also admitted criminal damage after smashing windows at the Bed Brigade on Abbey Road.

Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said: "At around 4pm he went around the back of Clintons Cards and got into a store room which was full of cardboard.

"He had a lighter and set them on fire before he left the area. The fire got out of control and caused £7,108 in significant damage.

"There were gas canisters nearby and two fire engines attended, with firefighters saying five minutes later it would have been totally out of control.

"The store manager has said workers were worried about their jobs, such was the damage, while one worker is now afraid to work alone."

Customers in the store at the time were evacuated.

Maureen Fawcett, defending, said: "There is a lot that could have happened but fortunately it didn't.

"His understanding was limited because of his autism and in his view he was messing around. He didn't intend for this to happen. A lot of this is about his medication because he hadn't been taking it.

"He admitted it straight away to police, showed remorse and apologised."

Sharron Gillam, chair of the magistrates, said: "This is a very serious offence and what might have happened would have been horrendous.

"Portland Walk could have been a pile of ash and all the people in the store and nearby could have been injured.

"We are hopeful that you have taken on board the responsibility of it all."

The boy was handed a 12 month rehabilitation and supervision order, and must spend 12 hours at an attendance centre. He was also handed a curfew over the Easter holidays between 7pm and 7am from March 29 until April 15. He must also pay compensation to the Bed Brigade of £221.74.