FOOTBALL is helping a sports-mad youngster recover from an horrific dog attack.

Andrew Peacock, 12, of St Helen Auckland, was mauled by a bull mastiff, on November 13, outside Tomlinsons scrapyard, after trying to find some wheels for a kart.

Andrew was flung around by the guard dog, which bit his arm through to the bone, crushed his wrist, and left deep bite marks in his chest.

Medical specialists predict the youngster will have restricted movement in his wrist for the rest of his life, and the wound in his arm will always be prone to infection.

According to his parents, Andrew has not slept properly since the incident, and cannot return to Bishop Barrington School until after Christmas.

Despite numerous bandages and a plaster cast, the youngster is itching to play football again.

He has been signed by Byers Green Under-12s, and played for Bishop Auckland District.

He has been cheered up with dozens of football-themed cards and gifts, including a football signed by players at Darlington, but is especially looking forward to the message he is being sent from his favourites, Manchester United.

His mother, Lynn, said: "He lives for football, and he's daft over Manchester United."

The guard dog, which was previously pelted with sticks and stones by other children, was destroyed shortly after the attack.