A HAVE-a-go hero who saved a Burnley schoolboy's life when he was being savaged by a pack of dogs is to be presented with a top civic honour.

Quick-thinking Robert Ashworth, 56, who risked himself to save youngster Sam Leverett from the horrific attack, will be honoured for his bravery by the Mayor of Burnley and council leader at a ceremony next week.

Two schoolgirls who used a mobile phone to call for an ambulance during the incident will also receive awards.

Licia Snape and Hannah Sprowell, both 13, will join Mr Ashworth for the ceremony at the Town Hall on Wednesday where Mayor Gordon Birtwistle and council leader Stuart Caddy will present them with their certificates.

Seven-year-old Sam, of Broughton Street, Burnley, was set upon by a pack of up to six animals as he walked to shops on Saturday, March 1.

He suffered horrific bites to his arms and legs during the attack in Tunnel Street, which went on for almost five minutes before Mr Ashworth dived in to smother him from further injuries.

The youngster spent several days at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury and underwent three operations on 80 wounds.

Sam, a pupil at Whittlefield Primary School, met up with Mr Ashworth at his home in Tunnel Street last month to thank him for his heroic actions.

Sam's dad, Jeff, 42, said today: "I think it's no less than they deserve after what they did for Sam. 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 getting 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 on January 30 last year.

Coun Birtwistle said: "I am very proud I will be meeting Robert, Licia and Hannah and it is a privilege to be presenting these awards and to be able to personally congratulate them on their courage and bravery."

Sam, who has an older brother Errol, 24, and two older sisters, Charlotte, 17 and Georgina 15, is now back at school.

Three people are due before magistrates in Burnley on Monday after being reported in connection with the attack. A man aged 19 and two women aged 16 and 38, all from Burnley, have been 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.