Ref. 28209-30A BOY, who has been terrified of dogs ever since he was bitten in the face as a toddler, has decided to confront his fears.

Eleven-year-old Grant Jefferies of Abbey Meads, whose phobia made him frightened to leave home, wants to meet friendly canines in an attempt to overcome his anxieties.

"When I used to see a dog it was terrible I was afraid it would chase me and jump up at me," said Grant.

His mum, 44-year-old Shirley Jefferies, said her son's phobia prevented him from going out of the house unless he was in a car, and even stopped the family going on holiday because he was so scared of meeting a dog.

"He's been frightened of all kinds of dogs ever since he was bitten," she said.

"When he saw one he would hide behind me and really panic, especially when they barked."

But after talking to a doctor the Abbey Meads Community Primary School pupil decided he wanted to face up to his fears and beat the phobia.

Having completed two months of treatment, doctors decided he was ready to start spending time with the animals to get him accustomed to them.

He was carefully introduced to two dogs at a veterinary surgery in Swindon, and by the end of the session Grant was feeding them treats.

Following that breakthrough, Mrs Jefferies is asking pet-owners in the Abbey Meads area to lend their animals for walks.

Grant has already had the chance to walk the dog belonging to a woman who had suffered a stroke and was no longer able to walk her dog herself. Mrs Jefferies and Grant walked it round the streets without incident.

Since his treatment began Grant has taken a liking to Labradors, and has even said he might like to keep one of his own one day.

"Grant has made brilliant progress and we want to keep it up," said Mrs Jefferies.

"It would be easy to slip back and allow the phobia to manifest itself again."

The pair are now appealing for more canines to walk in an effort to cure Grant of his fear for good.

Anyone who may have a suitable dog for Grant to walk in the Abbey Meads area can contact Mrs Jefferies on 01793 701052.

The three most common specific phobias are fear of driving, vomiting, and suffering claustrophobia.

Andy Tate