Jordan Kemp, 11, of Cameron Croft, had his wrist broken in two places after being savaged by an American pit bull-type dog while he was at a friend's house.

New figures show that Preston and Chorley hospitals have seen a 20 per cent rise in the number of patients mauled by animals, mainly canines.

Some of the injuries are so bad that dog biting victims need plastic surgery, skin grafts, stitches and even reconstructive surgery to deal with their horrific wounds.

Jordan's mum Sharon, 34, said action needed to be taken so there weren't more victims like her son.

She said: "I think there needs to be a clampdown on dangerous dogs and owners should keep their dog away from children if they know it has that kind of temperament."

The mum-of-four, who is married to Gareth, said: "Jordan was traumatised by the dog attack as he knows he could have been killed.

"After it happened, he suffered from nightmares, but he is finally getting himself back on track more than a year on.

"He is still very nervous of dogs and he won't go into anyone's house if he knows there is a dog there.

"He is even scared when our own dog - a gentle Border Collie - barks as it bring back memories of the attack.

"Jordan has still got a metal plate in his wrist and he has scars from his elbow to his wrist.

"He still cannot write with his right hand and has had to learn to write with his left hand.

"I definitely believe there are more dog victims and you are always hearing about children or adults who have been attacked by dogs."

Jordan, a keen footballer, said: "I don't like big dogs at all now.

"If I ever see a dog when I am out walking, I start walking in the opposite direction.

"Before the attack happened, I used to love all dogs, but now they make me scared and worried.

"The attack was very frightening and I didn't know what to do."