Four men convicted of an attempted armed robbery were jailed for a total of 46 years yesterday.

PC Phillip Clapham gave chase when he saw Paul Sherrington, Ian Hart, and George Appleby fleeing the Shotton Colliery Post Office after a bungled raid on June 10 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court how the masked trio had demanded money after bursting into the premises armed with a handgun and a claw hammer.

Frightened staff pressed the panic buttons and the alarms were activated - forcing them to flee empty handed.

PC Clapham had been in a nearby shop but headed to the post office when he realised what was going on and gave chase.

The court heard how one of the raiders pointed a gun at him while being urged by another gang member to shoot.

During the sentencing hearing Judge David Hodson said Pc Clapham's evidence had made "chilling listening" and commended the officer for his bravery.

Judge Hodson jailed Appleby for 12 years, Hart, who he said was the "prime mover", for 14 years, and Sherrington for 10 years for the raid plus two years outstanding from a previous sentence.

Russell Snowdon, who acted as the gang's lookout but was unaware a gun was to be used, was jailed for eight years.

Prosecutor Amanda Rippon had told the court how £30,000 in cash had been due to be delivered to the post office on the day of the raid but had been cancelled just the day before.

When the raid took place a post office van was delivering bags of 2p pieces and some stationary.

All four men were arrested at a house in nearby Ludworth and the BMW, used as a getaway car, was found torched nearby. Ian Hart, 31, of Goodyear Crescent, Sherburn Road EState, Durham, Russell Snowdon, 29, of Holly Park, Ushaw Moor, George Appleby, 48, of Gilesgate, Durham, and Paul Sherrington, 37, of Millbrook, Gateshead, all denied attempted robbery but were found guilty by a jury after a trial.

Hart, Appleby and Sherrington were also found guilty of possessingan imitation firearm at the time of committing an offence.

Snowdon was cleared of the firearms charge.

Judge Hodson told them: "There can be no doubt that a great deal of planning went into this offence."