Michael Seeney put six schoolchildren through a horrifying ordeal and it is right he is locked up for his crimes.

But it was the actions of the schoolchildren - one in particular - that stood out for the police officers in the case.

The bravery of a teenage girl helped them catch Seeney and saved her friends' lives.

Her bravery was such that she received a child of courage award at The Argus Achievements Awards on Friday.

She was nominated by the police because her courage made her a shining example to the community.

Despite being tied up by Seeney, she remained strong and the information she was able to give the police was vital in the investigation.

The girl and her friends are all having to attend counselling. Let's hope their ordeal won't scar them for life.