A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD schoolboy who received horrific injuries after being savaged by a pack of dogs is to receive counselling to help him come to terms with his ordeal.

A psychiatrist has already been to see Sam Leverett at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, where he is currently recovering from three operations he has undergone since the incident in Tunnel Street, Burnley, on Saturday.

Marlene Aspinall, partner of Sam's grandfather Ron Topping, said the Whittlefield County Primary School pupil would need to undergo regular counselling sessions.

She added: "Sam hasn't really talked about what happened to him so far, but when he comes out of hospital he will be provided with a psychologist who will be able to help him through what happened and to talk about it."

Sam, of Broughton Street, Burnley, underwent a third operation yesterday after the pack of dogs attacked him near his home.

He was walking to the shops when he was set upon by around six dogs, including a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a Jack Russell and a German Shepherd Labrador cross.

Jennifer Stewart, deputy head at Whittlefield, said everyone at the school has united to pray for the popular classmate.

She led a school assembly yesterday in which prayers were said for Sam's speedy recovery following the horrifying attack.

Mrs Stewart said: "We were all horrified by what happened to Sam and all the children have been spoken to about it and warned to be on the look-out.

"We will be sending someone down to the hospital to see Sam and to send our best wishes and take him cards and a gift.

"We are all praying for him and our thoughts are with him and his family."

Sam received horrific injuries to his arms and legs during the onslaught which went on for almost five minutes before quick-thinking hero Robert Ashworth dived in to smother him from further attack.

Sam was due to stay in hospital until the end of the week when he will be allowed home.

His parents Jeff and Angela have been by his bedside and his uncle Paul Topping has flown over from Spain to be with his nephew.

Det Insp Mark Maxlow, who is heading the police investigation, said seven dogs which had been seized from an address in the Tunnel Street area were still impounded and were being examined to see if there was any evidence that they had been involved in the attack.

Police are considering whether to bring charges against the owners under the Dangerous Dogs Act and have appealed for witnesses and anyone who has had problems with the dogs before.