THE heartbroken great-grandmother of a baby killed by a dog has praised the “extraordinary effort” of fundraisers.

Maureen Labbett, of Low Road, Dovercourt, has been blown away by the support of the Harwich community following the horrific attack.

Archie Darby was killed and his brother, Daniel-Jay, left with life-changing injuries, when a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog lunged at the pair.

Archie was only four months old.

Daniel-Jay, who is 23 months old, was left with life-changing injuries and was placed in an induced coma at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

The family were at Archie’s aunt’s home in Harwich Road, Colchester, when the attack happened.

Mrs Labbett, 77, the great-grandmother of the two boys, was approached by her close friend Teresa Williams, who wished to organise a fundraising event in Dovercourt to help support the family.

“I want to stress how supportive and caring the people of this town have been,” said Mrs Labbett.

“Teresa has tirelessly got the fundraising event together.

"She is so well organised and an amazing woman.

“The extraordinary effort put in by her has been unbelievable.

"This event is for Jade and her gorgeous children, Archie and Daniel-Jay – she is a special and amazing mummy.”

Mrs Williams is putting the final touches to the superhero-themed fundraiser, to be held at the Park Pavilion, in Barrack Lane, from noon-5pm this Sunday.

Visitors are encouraged to dress as superheroes.

Entry is £2 for children.