A children's charity has helped put the smile back on nine-year-old Ollie Burnett's face after he was mauled by a dog.

Ollie's bike was stolen as he lay injured after the attack, which left him needing 19 stitches in his head.

During the attack he leapt off his bike and left it behind as he tried to flee from the dog, thought to be a pit bull or bull terrier. But the animal tore into his legs and head.

His family remembered his bike was missing and went back to pick it up, only to find it had gone.

Now children's charity Childhelp has delivered Ollie a cheque for £140 to replace his Raleigh Max.

Hazel Spence, Ollie's mother, said: "He is going to be over the moon, even though he won't be able to go out on his new bike straight away because of his injured leg."

Ollie, of Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, was mauled as he rode on the BMX track near Brighton racecourse.

He had a two-hour operation at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton.

Staff at Childhelp's shop in Hassocks were among a number of readers shocked to read of Ollie's ordeal in The Argus on Monday.

Volunteer Sue Maltby said: "We felt sorry for the boy and wanted to help."

Frank Humphrey, of F Humphrey Heating in Bates Road, Brighton, also offered to replace the bike.

He said: "It was totally out of order. I've got grandchildren and they love their bikes."

Ollie's family has asked for any money raised for him to be donated to the Royal Alexandra Rockinghorse Appeal, The Basement, 36 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3JB.

For information on Childhelp, visit its shop at 49 Keymer Road, Hassocks, or phone 01273 846570.