DEPUTY mayoress Pauline Haigh had part of a finger bitten off by a dog as she distributed a Labour Party newsletter.

She was leafleting with partner and deputy mayor Coun Joe Hayward on Sunday when the incident happened.

Miss Haigh said she had tried to push the leaflet in to the flat on Pleasant View, Cudworth, when she heard a bark and then felt the pain as the dog attacked her.

"I am conscious of leaving leaflets sticking out because of burglars so I shoved my hand a bit further in. Next thing I knew there was a bark and I pulled my hand out and part of my finger was missing. It was a tremendous shock."

She needed several pain killing injections at hospital and is still on strong tablets and antibiotics. She was transferred to the Northern General to see a plastic surgeon but they were unable to reattach the severed finger and she has been told because the nerves are exposed it will be painful for years.

Education welfare officer Pauline, of Ibberson Avenue, Mapplewell, is angry there was no warning about the dog.

"I have always been a pet lover but if there is a dog that attacks the post as it comes through the owners should have a guard up or an outside post-box."

Police investigated the incident. A spokesman said it was a 'complete accident' and no blame was attached to the dog's owner.