POLICE have praised witnesses who helped bring to justice two armed robbers responsible for a terrifying raid on a convenience store.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, 29-year-old Mark Huddart and Brian Holliday, 34, were each given lengthy jail terms for their raid on the McColls store in Harrington Road, Workington.

Huddart was jailed for three years nine months and Holliday for four years one month. The two thugs targeted the store at 7.55am on November 4, the court heard.

They burst into the store, armed with a crowbar and an axe.

Confronting the shocked staff, the pair demanded that the till be opened and then Huddart emptied it as Holliday went behind the counter and helped himself to tobacco before they both left.

Police found Huddart 45 minutes later at Holliday’s home on Harrington Road when he claimed that he was waiting to retrieve a mobile phone.

Huddart was wearing a green khaki hoody similar to that worn by the robber.

Holliday was also searched - and found to have £90 cash and a packet of tobacco, its serial number matching the batch stolen from McColls in the robbery.

Found near the convenience was a cream satchel stuffed with clothes, which again matched those worn by the robber and six packs of tobacco.

Witnesses said Holliday left the property with Huddart earlier that day wearing a similar bag. Police also found an axe and crowbar matching those described by the robbery victims.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the employee and witnesses and thankfully no one was injured.

“I would like to thank those that came forward as witnesses during this investigation as their evidence was crucial in bringing both men to justice."

“I doubt that they feel any remorse for the fear they caused and they thoroughly deserve the sentences imposed.”

Huddart, of Bowness Court, Workington and Holliday, 34 of Harrington Road, Workington both admitted robbery. They were sentenced today at Carlisle Crown Court.