A BRAVE young Wanderers fan who was mauled by two dogs received the surprise of his life as one of his heroes turned up on his doorstep.

Ben Griffin, aged 11, suffered injuries to his face and side when he was mauled by the dogs near his home in Dove Bank Road, Little Lever, on August 11.

He was admitted to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for major reconstructive surgery, and is still dealing with the effects of the incident.

On Thursday he was paid a surprise visit by Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Mark Howard.

Ben, a Wanderers season ticket holder and budding goalkeeper, was recuperating at home after recently being discharged, and was left stunned when the shot-stopper turned up at his front door.

Ben, along with brother Sam, invited Mark to see his Whites themed bedroom where he showed off his merchandise and programme collection.

He also got the chance to quiz Mark on life as a goalkeeper and get some advice for his own spells between the sticks.

Mark gave him a pair of his own signed goalkeeping gloves and a Wanderers football, to Ben's delight.

The goalkeeper said: "It’s been amazing, coming down here and meeting Ben and his family. It’s great to see how well he’s recovering too and you can see just how much football and Bolton Wanderers means to him.

“It feels so nice to just put a smile on his face and answer his questions – he could give some of the reporters a run for their money with how good they were.

“You could see from the moment I walked in the door that he was just amazed that I was there and for me, to see how much what I do on a weekly basis is appreciated by fans, it’s a great feeling.

“Especially for youngsters such as Ben, you are a role model and we always love to give something back where we can.

“The bravery Ben has shown though is just incredible and meeting him is something I’ll never forget.”

Ben's mum Maria said that the visit 'meant the world' to her son.