A TODDLER has choked to death after a lollipop came off its stick and stuck in his throat.

Francis Dean, two, started struggling for breath after being given the lolly as a treat after his tea. His brother Michael, 13, took hold of the stick but it came away in his hand.

Family and friends tried frantically to save Francis and called an ambulance, but he died before reaching hospital.

Today the heartbroken family, from Newton Heath, were preparing to bury Francis at All Saints Church, near their home.

Dad David, an NHS gym instructor, and mum Dawn, a manager for First Choice holidays, are now warning other parents of small children to be extra careful with lollies and are urging the High Peak-based manufacturers of the lollipop, Swizzels Matlow, to make the warnings on sweets clearer. The company said it would mount a full investigation into what had happened once it had received more information.

Mrs Dean, who was away on a business conference when it happened, said: "We're absolutely devastated. It feels like a nightmare. He often had a treat, a lolly or ice cream, after his tea.

"His dad asked him what he wanted and he asked for 'a pop'. It had been in his mouth less than 30 seconds when Michael saw he was in distress. The stick came away in his hand."

The 'double lolly' was part of Swizzels Matlow's 'lots of lollies' assortment bag which carries a warning, printed on a seal on the back of the packet, which says: 'Lollipops are a potential choking hazard. Not suitable for children under 36 months.'

But the cellophane wrapper on the actual lollipop does not carry any warning. "It shouldn't have come off the stick," said Mrs Dean. "Kids love sweets and lollipops and this could have been any sweet given to any child.

"We would urge the manufacturers to put warnings on each individual lolly or to make them smaller. I'd just say to other parents, you can never be too cautious. We would never have thought this could harm our child."

The mum-of-two paid tribute to her 'baby' who had celebrated his second birthday with a party in July. She said: "We had two-and-a-half wonderful years with him. He was full of life. He loved playing with his toys, his Power Rangers and cars. He liked football and had his own little cricket set to play with his brother. They were very close - he was close to all his family.

"He was a very, very happy chap. He loved nursery and had some wonderful friends who, like everyone else, are devastated.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family. Dawn and David's niece, Claire Burns, 21, drowned off the Blackpool coast last year.

Two white doves were to be released at Francis' funeral in honour of the pair. The family are asking for donations to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Francis' name.

Mrs Dean said: "We want to thank everyone, all our lovely friends and family and neighbours, for their comforting words and everything they've done for him and us. We love kids and the Booth Hall staff did a fantastic job for Francis when he was treated for pneumonia last year. The staff at the Children's Hospital tried their best this time. They were wonderful but they couldn't help him."

Andrew Matlow, associate communications director at Swizzels Matlow, said: "All at Swizzels Matlow were devastated to hear of the tragic death of this baby boy.

"Most of us are parents and we can only imagine both the pain and anguish that the little boy's parents are currently facing.

"As soon as we are furnished with more details we will of course mount a full investigation."