Advise from the Dorset Charcoal experts...
Unlike the imported varieties of charcoal, Dorset Hardwood Charcoal is very easy to light!
You can use a crumbled piece of paper with a few small pieces of charcoal wrapped in it, build a pyramid shape around it with other pieces of charcoal and then light the paper.
Leave for a few minutes until the charcoal is well alight and then add more charcoal as required. You will be ready to barbecue in about 10 to 15 minutes.
You usually know you are ready when the lump charcoal begins to turn red, a white ash appears around most of the lumps and you can leave your hand 6 inches above the fire for at least 5 seconds.
If you can't see the above video? Here's the link on Vimeo: Dorset Charcoal - How to light a barbecue.