by Keyan Milanian

kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

A woman who was badly hurt when she saved a toddler from being attacked by an out-of-control dog is to receive a national award.

Sally-Ann Sutton, from St Mary's Island, Chatham Maritime, is being recognised for outstanding bravery as part of the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2009.

Mrs Sutton, 56, went out for a walk with friend Hannah Clark, Hannah's one-year-old son Bobbi and Alfie, a friend's Shitzu dog, on Christmas Day last year.

They were walking down Grain Road, in Wigmore when a rottweiler, which had already attacked two people, escaped from its owners and charged towards Alfie.

The smaller dog escaped and hid under a nearby car when the animal turned its attention to the toddler.

Sally-Ann, who is only 5ft 2in and weighs just 7st 10lbs, jumped in front of the buggy as the snarling rottweiler attacked.

The dog grabbed hold of her arm and dragged her down the street before it let go.

She said: "I was like a feather, it dragged me back to its house, but then let me go. Luckily for me, the owner then came out, but I knew it had seriously injured my arm as I could feel it hanging in my coat.

"It was very frightening, but I just acted on impulse, if the dog had got hold of the child, who was only one, it would have killed him."

Doctors said Sally-Ann would have bled to death if an artery four inches lower down her arm had been pierced but they managed to save her arm.

Since the attack she has suffered various health problems, including a heart attack.

In July, she won a police award for her bravery, but was unable to attend as she caught swine flu.

She said: "I don't think I did anything brave, I instinctively did what I thought anyone would do.

"I wish it had not happened, but I don't regret it because I don't think Bobbi would be here if I had not done it."

Insp Simon Alland, from Kent Police, said Sally-Ann's injuries were the worst he'd ever seen inflicted by a dog and added: "Right from the start, she played down her actions but, in my eyes, she is a remarkable woman,"

The awards are to be held at Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday, October 7.

• It's been quite a week for Sally-Ann as she has also been nominated for a Pride in Medway award by the Towns' police chief Steve Corbishley. See Today's (Monday)Medway Messenger.