A TEENAGE Good Samaritan who helped put a sex attacker behind bars and rescued his victim has been honoured in a special ceremony.

Brave Felix Evans, 17, was the star of proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, where weeks earlier he had given evidence against Stephen Ainscow -- who twice tried to rape a terrified schoolgirl in dark, secluded woods in Waterfoot.

Ainscow, 22, formerly of Burnley Road East in the town, is now serving seven years.

Burnley College student Felix was walking home through the woods around midnight last December when he heard the 14-year-old victim's screams.

He had recalled his horror as he found the half-naked girl lying on her back in the mud, screaming and crying and saw a man walking away from her.

Felix, who later described what happened as "like living a nightmare", rushed to his home to get help from his dad John Spedding, 38.

His quick-thinking meant police were on the scene within minutes, immediately began inquiries and the defendant was soon arrested.

Felix won the praises and thanks of both the judge who sentenced Ainscow and the High Sheriff of Lancashire, footballing great Jimmy Armfield OBE.

Mr Armfield, who played for Blackpool and England and is now a radio commentator, presented the teenager with a certificate and a £250 cheque from the public coffers -- and a blushing but delighted Felix responded with "Nice one!"

Judge Anthony Russell QC ordered Felix be given the award for what he described as his exemplary conduct in today's "violent and uncaring society."

He told the courtroom Felix had also given valuable and much appreciated comfort to the girl.

The judge went on: "Regrettably, it has to be said many people these days, for understandable reasons, given the violence we hear about in these courts and the media, would have just passed by on the other side."

Judge Russell said the student had behaved as a Good Samaritan, showing good sense, concern and humanity.

He said: "Had Felix Evans not acted as he did, other dreadful consequences may have happened. But a dangerous man is now behind bars."

Mr Armfield told the 17-year-old he believed there was more good will around than many imagined, from volunteers and people who cared what happened to others.

After the presentation, Felix said: "I just did what needed to be done. I would do it again."

The teenager, who has since been thanked in the street by the schoolgirl, added: "I hope it will encourage others to do the same."