A RESCUE hero who saved the life of a seven-year-old schoolboy who was being savaged by a pack of dogs today revealed he would use his civic award to raise money for charity.

Robert Ashworth, 56, of Tunnel Street, Burnley, was presented with the honour by Burnley Mayor Coun Gordon Birtwistle last week after he rescued young Sam Leverett in March.

Sam, of Broughton Street, Burnley, was attacked on wasteground off Tunnel Street as he walked from his home to some shops.

Mr Ashworth saw Sam being thrown "like a rag doll" by the animals and he dived in to fight the pack off the schoolboy.

Sam suffered horrific injuries during the attack, which lasted almost five minutes.

The schoolboy, who attends Whittlefield Primary, spent several days at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, and underwent three operations on 80 wounds, but returned home to thank Mr Ashworth for saving his life.

Now Mr Ashworth, who was commended alongside schoolgirls Licia Cox and Hannah Sprowell, both 13, who rang for an ambulance on their mobile phone, has put his award on display at Ighten Mount Bowling Club.

He is inviting people to go along and see it and will donate cash to Coun Birtwistle's scanner appeal. The fund aims to raise money for vital equipment for Burnley General Hospital.

Bob said: "I promised the mayor I would help his appeal. We were treated like royalty by him and his staff so I want to repay the favour."

Sam's dad, Jeff, 42, has already praised Mr Ashworth for saving his son's life.

He was pleased the trio were commended for their part in Sam's rescue and said: "I think it's no less than they deserve after what they did. It's just reward for their bravery and quick-thinking."

Mr Ashworth added: "I have never thought of myself as a hero, I just did what came naturally, it was instinct. Having said that I think it is fitting that the two girls are being rewarded because if it hadn't been for them Sam would not be here today, they are the real heroines."

A spokesman for the council said the Certificate of Honour award scheme was introduced in January 2000 so that people who gave their time and talents and undertook outstanding actions to help the community could be rewarded.

The awards were last presented to the members of Burnley Task Force last year.

Three people appeared before magistrates in Burnley on April 14, after being reported in connection with the attack. A man aged 19 and two women aged 16 and 38, all from Burnley, were reported for summons for owning a dog, or dogs, and allowing it, or them, to be out of control in a public place and causing injury to a person. The case was adjourned until April 30.