RUSSELL CROWE - CROWE TURNS HERO TO HELP SNAKE BITE BOY

RUSSELL CROWE is being hailed a hero in his adopted Australia after helping to save a young boy's life following a deadly snake bite.

The GLADIATOR star turned saviour when little GEORGE COX, five, was bitten by a venomous brown snake on his family's estate near Sydney.

Crowe heard about the youngster's fight for life on the local news and called Cox's parents to offer his support and prayers.

Knowing that "the Gladiator man" was praying for him gave little George the extra strength he needed to pull away from death.

His father GEOFF COX says, "If it wasn't for Russell Crowe, our little boy would be dead."