Two victims of a prolific robber have been officially commended for their roles in bringing him to justice.

Drug addict Mark Mercer mugged a lone woman in Whitehaven in early January last year.

A fortnight later he raided the family-run Maryport Post Office with an imitation gun.

The robberies were committed during a crime spree which also included a host of dishonesty offences - some involving elderly victims.

Mercer, a previously convicted robber, was eventually brought to justice and received an 18-year prison term at Carlisle Crown Court.

At the court this week, two of Mercer's brave victims were honoured for their "selfless and brave acts" during the shocking crimes.

Post office clerk Gwen Birkett was one of three employees who watched in horror as Mercer pointed a realistic-looking imitation revolver at them and demanded cash.

Judge Peter Davies said: "All the staff showed immense courage. They stood up to him; they resisted him in what must have been a traumatic and distressing experience."

Mercer was arrested the following day in Carlisle - still in possession of his £1,000 loot and the fake firearm.

Mrs Birkett, 57, returned to work the day after the robbery.

She said: "I think it sends out a message that we are not a walkover; that people are not going to put up with that kind of behaviour without putting up a fight to try and stop it."

Courtney Leigh Johnson, 21, also received a commendation and a cash reward. She was walking from work to her car in Whitehaven when Mercer tried to rip her handbag from her grasp.

Despite being shocked and distressed the beauty therapist gave chase, alerted others and Mercer was eventually identified as the man responsible.

"I didn't know he was even there," she recalled. "He pushed me to the floor. I got up. I thought he had my bag or my phone.

"I just chased after him shouting 'thief' just so that people would be aware. Obviously it caused a lot of attention so a lot of people saw him.

"You don't really think at the time, you just do it."