The mother of a Wolverhampton girl savaged by two dogs has spoken publicly for the first time since the attack.

Diane Reynolds, 28, said she had been stunned by five-year-old Leah Preston's bravery.

"I am amazed at how brave she has been and how she bounces back each time after surgery. She is a tough little girl.

"Leah is making steady progress. To see her painting, drawing pictures for her school friends and blowing bubbles, I can't believe what she has been through."

Every day that passes is encouraging, says Leah's plastic surgeon

But the physical and emotional scars of the attack in the front garden of Leah's Low Hill home last week will take longer to fade.

"She will be left with major cosmetic defects on the back of her leg and buttocks," said Hiroshi Nishikawa, consultant plastic surgeon at Birmingham's Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital.

"But that's another story. We have to get her out of this stage first before we can thnk about that.

"She is not out of the woods in the sense that she could become infected, but every day that passes is encouraging."

I have been touched that people who do not know us are thinking of us at this difficult time

Diana Reynolds

Mrs Reynolds thanked the public for their cards and toys for Leah.

"I have been touched that people who do not know us are thinking of us at this difficult time."

She also thanked the surgical team for saving Leah's life and hospital staff and police for their care and their support.

Two bull mastiff cross-breeds attacked Leah on 16 May after escaping from a from a metal cage behind the nextdoor house.

They were subsequently destroyed, having also turned on owner Jean Harvey as she tried to shield the youngster, and her two children.