Jamie Barrow pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Fatimah Drammeh, three; and Naeemah Drammeh, one; in the blaze in Fairisle Close, Clifton, Nottingham, on 20 November.

He also admitted being responsible for the death of their mother, 28-year-old Fatoumatta Hydara, who died two days later in hospital from smoke inhalation.

Barrow was arrested hours after the blaze and charged with three counts of murder four days later.

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court today, wearing grey prison tracksuit bottoms, a grey T-shirt and glasses, and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

He also entered a not guilty plea to one count of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Barrow, of Clifton, is due to return to the court on 12 June for a trial, expected to last three weeks.

Several members of the victims' family attended the hearing, remaining silent as the defendant entered his pleas.

Ms Hydara's husband and the girls' father, Aboubacarr Drammeh, previously told how he had to identify their bodies in a mortuary on his 40th birthday.

The sisters were pronounced dead at hospital shortly after the fire broke out at 3am.

Their mother was rushed to hospital and placed on life support but died in hospital two days later, police said.

Mr Drammeh said his wife of eight years, a former voluntary worker, had lived a "short but a very beautiful and fulfilling life" and described her as a "caring" and "very faithful person" who would help "whoever she could".

"Fatoumatta was a very happy, bubbly woman who wouldn't have the heart to hurt a fly," he said.

Describing his daughters, he said: "They were both really happy children.

"They loved spending time with their grandparents and got along really well as siblings."

He added: "I and my in-laws are left without any daughters, grandchildren and nieces. I will deeply miss my family."