Footballers at Braintree Town Football Club made a schoolgirl’s dreams come true after she was injured in a savage dog attack.

Seven-year-old Emily Ager, who attends White Notley Primary School, was attacked by a friend’s dog in Black Notley in May, which left her with a gash to her face and bruising.

Emily, who lives with her five-year-old brother Jack, sister Kate, nine, and parents Vicki and Matt in Hoppit Mead, Braintree, also needed stitches after her lip was cut open.

Football mad Emily, who has now recovered from her injuries, was invited to be a mascot at Braintree Town’s pre-season match against West Ham last Tuesday after they heard about her ordeal and love of football.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.