A POSTMASTER bravely stood his ground when masked raiders tried to rob his shop.

The 63-year-old was alone in the Bolton Road post office in Atherton when two men in balaclavas burst in.

One ran up to the counter and demanded cash while the other hovered near the door to keep any eye out for customers.

But the postmaster refused to co-operate. Instead of handing over money, he hit the panic alarm which not only told the police there was an emergency but also set off a siren in the store.

The would-be robbers were becoming increasingly nervous but the one at the counter again demanded money be handed over.

In the absence of a weapon and the increased dithering of the intruders, the man repeated his refusal and on this the pair fled.

Police issued descriptions of the men and appealed for witnesses to the attempted robbery which took place at around 12.30pm last Wednesday.

The man at the counter was white, about 6ft tall and wore a dark blue lumberjack jacket and a blue woollen balaclava mask. His accomplice was of a similar size and wore dark clothes.

Police were quickly on the scene but the raiders disappeared.

Det Sgt Graham Rigby of Wigan CID said: "The postmaster was courageous in not bowing to the offenders' demands. It must have been an alarming experience.

"We would like to speak to anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident or thinks they have seen these men in the vicinity."

Those with information should contact Leigh CID on (0161) 856 7252 or the freephone Crimestoppers line on (0800) 555111 anonymously and in confidence.