A YOUNG girl celebrated Christmas early when she was given a special surprise for her bravery.

Catherine Leece, from Westhoughton, had the honour of opening the first window of a supermarket's giant Advent calendar after impressing everyone with her efforts to keep smiling following an horrific accident.

The four-year-old was attacked by a dog in the summer and received more than 35 stitches to her head.

Catherine's hair has grown over the scars, but she is still frightened of big dogs. The pupil from Sacred Heart RC Primary School, who was accompanied by her parents Mark and Franchesca, was thrilled to open the calendar at Asda in Middlebrook as she had no idea she had been chosen.

Shoppers have nominated 23 youngsters who have impressed their friends and family with their bravery to open each window of the calendar during the next month.

Although most people will not be opening their Advent calendars at home until Sunday, supermarket bosses decided to start early and bring the festive mood forward for a few days.

Catherine, who has two older brothers, Andrew and Matthew, was also presented with a certificate saying she had been chosen "for always smiling and being a brave girl".

Her mother said: "Catherine had only just turned four when she was attacked by the dog.

"It was very sad because it was a dog that we knew and it was nobody's fault.

"Even though Catherine had to have so many stitches, she was a good girl and didn't make a fuss."

Catherine, who also received a goodie bag and free pantomime tickets for Dick Whittington at the Albert Halls, said: "This was a nice surprise and I'll be telling all my friends at school about it.

"I'm excited about Christmas -- Father Christmas will be bringing me lots of Barbie toys!"

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