A cool-headed delivery driver bravely fought off two knife-wielding robbers - and then calmly went back to his job taking bread to local shops.

Dale Cairnie, 41, today had his courage formally recognised as a judge at Carlisle Crown Court publicly commended him with an award, which was presented by the current High Sheriff of Cumbria Alistair Wannop.

Judge Peter Davies outlined how Mr Cairnie, from Carlisle, was at the start of his delivery round in Wigton on June 8 when he was confronted by two men - each of them armed with a kitchen knife - who were intent on robbing him.

As one of the thugs lunged at him, Mr Cairnie fought back after grabbing a metal bar - kept on his van for pulling out trays of bread.

The father-of-four chased away both robbers, and later gave vital evidence that helped police catch the criminals Jason Pattinson, 30 and 31-year-old Damon Noble. Both are now serving long jail terms.

Judge Davies told Mr Cairnie: "Your courage, and your selfless decision to help police make sure both of these men were brought to justice, ensured they are unable to commit further offences for the foreseeable future."

Outside court, Mr Cairnie described how after seeing off the thugs and helping police he simply went back to his work.

"I had 13 more drops to make after that," he said.

"So I ended up having to tell the story 13 times about why I was late. I took it in my stride. I kept getting calls from Victim Support, asking me if I was affected. I kept saying I was all right."

Asked how his kids had reacted to his heroism, he added: "They think I'm cool anyway!"

Pattinson, previously of Water Street, and Noble, of Meadow Road, both Wigton, each admitted charges of robbery and possessing kitchen knives.

Both were jailed. Judge Davies ruled that Mr Cairnie should get a £300 cash reward from public funds.

Judge Davies also today praised the courage of a young woman from Carlisle who fought off a vicious sexual predator.

The woman, who can not be named for legal reasons, successfully foiled a bid by 59-year-old Alan Hughes to snatch her off a city street, and then she had the presence of mind to make a mental note of his car's number plate.

"This award is for your courage," Judge Davies told her.

Despite initially denying the offence, Hughes later admitted his guilt. He was jailed for eight years, and told he must serve an extended 13 year licence period. He admitted attempted kidnap, and attempted kidnap with intent to commit rape.