Hostage victim schoolgirl who stole Simon Cowell's heart to treat coach who helped her to X Factor show

Ten-year-old Renee-Mai Bolter stole judge Simon Cowell's heart when he presented her with a bravery award last month at the televised Pride of Britain ceremony.

The youngster was presented with the award for her actions when she was subjected to a terrifying hostage ordeal at her family home, in Delves, Walsall, when she was just aged seven.

She has been recovering from the emotional effects of the incident with the help of exercise sessions at Bloxwich Leisure Centre led by fitness tutor Penny Evans, who works in the Fitzone gym at the High Street premises. Penny instructs groups in using the treadmill, cycles and lifting machines, and in swimming.

Renee-Mai, her family and Penny will attend the live finals on December 6.

Simon invited the Yew Tree Primary School pupil to see the show when he and the X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and hosts Dermot O'Leary and Sarah-Jane Crawford presented her with the Child of Courage trophy.

She was violently attacked when held captive with her mother Katie, aged 29, and sister Lexi, then eight-months-old for several hours by a 54-year-old man in 2011. But her quick thinking and calm actions helped protect her family.

Her grandmother Sonja Bolter, also of Walsall, said: "She started going to the gym to help take her mind off what happened to the family, to shift her thoughts and focus onto something positive. Penny has been working with her and has been an absolute inspiration. She is a very caring and remarkable person. It's amazing to see her at work and what she does for the children and disabled people who she helps.

"She is definitely better than she was before she went to the gym. Penn helps her when she gets on the treadmill and her swimming has also really improved. Her confidence has got a lot better as a result."