Two 12 year-old boys have been cleared of starting a fire which caused £1.4 million damage to a warehouse and lorries.

The children were accused of starting the fire at the Paula Rosa Kitchens factory at Water Lane Industrial Park, Storrington, on February 7.

A third boy, aged 10, admitted causing criminal damage by fire at the factory.

Mid Sussex Youth Court heard the three were playing in a lorry trailer at the factory.

One of the older boys used a lighter belonging to his father to light a cigarette, which he later put out.

The 10-year-old also used a lighter to set fire to a piece of cardboard.

A second fire was started in a different part of the trailer when one of the boys set fire to some plastic.

Although the boys thought all the flames were out before they left the trailer, it later burst into flames.

The fire spread to the factory warehouses, causing an estimated £800,000 damage to buildings and trailers and £600,000 damage to stock.

Twenty-five fire tenders, rescue vehicles and ambulances went to the scene and one firefighter was injured.

It was alleged all three boys were involved in starting the fire, with the two older ones trying to put the blame on their younger friend, an allegation both 12-year-olds denied.

Magistrate Paul Hanspal said there was no evidence either of them had started the fire.

He said: "What happened on that day was quite serious.

"Your actions, or someone's actions, nearly burned the place down.

"Although you have been found innocent today, please make sure this does not encourage you in any way to involve yourselves in any criminal acts.

"Just behave yourselves."

The case of the ten-year-old was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

He will appear in court at Horsham on October 12.