A YOUNG fairground worker who was attacked and left for dead by six Tamworth thugs, says he still loves the town, despite his terrifying ordeal.

Mitchell Barker, aged 21, this week vowed to move on with his life following the jailing of the gang, who were described in court as a 'pack of animals'.

A police evidence photo shows the six thugs on the day of the attack.

Three of Mitchell's attackers have been jailed indefinitely for public protection.

Judge John Eades told the gang: "What contempt you have for your fellow man...this perverted morality disfigures our society and is like a cancer. Now you must face the music."

But victim Mitchell Barker told the Herald: "I've been coming to Tamworth all my life and it has always been my favourite town, I always look forward to coming here, it's lovely.

"The people are polite and friendly and I know that the gang who attacked me are not typical of people from the town.

"I don't remember anything about the attack, I remember unchaining the dog to go for a walk and the next thing I remember is waking up in hospital nearly a week later.

"I am really grateful to the witnesses who came forward, those girls made all the difference to the case.

"I was pleased with the sentencing and I am determined just to forget this bad chapter in my life and to move on."

Mitchell, has two brothers and a sister and his family have been bringing the popular Barkers Fun Fair to Tamworth for over 50 years.

He added: "My family have been brilliant throughout all this. I was in hospital for 15 days and off work for three months, but I've pretty much been given the all-clear medically now, the only slight problem I have is occasional double vision."

Mitchell is now looking forward to a future with his fiancee Faye. The couple got engaged in June.

His father, 55-year-old John Barker said: "I've been coming to Tamworth for over 50 years, it's my favourite, we feel like part of the community here.

"I'd really like to thank everyone who has helped Mitchell, the hospital, the police, the two witnesses and all the members of the public who have made enquiries about him."