A BRAVE postal worker told today how he foiled an armed robbery at a Hampshire sub- post office.

Ken Pothecary, 60, refused to hand over cash demanded by the balaclava-clad raider.

The gunman, thought to be in his late teens or early 20s, fled empty handed after smashing his weapon against the security glass on the counter.

The robber entered Burridge sub-post office in Botley Road about 10.15am yesterday.

He produced a handgun and demanded money from Mr Pothecary, who is the husband of sub-postmistress Jan Pothecary, 58.

The raider escaped in a small black hatchback car that was driven by an accomplice towards Botley.

Father of three Mr Pothecary said: "This guy came rushing in through the front door with a balaclava, gun in hand and clutching a plastic sack.

"He shouted 'Don't mess about. Just fill it with money'.

"It was a bit surreal. You're partly in shock and you are partly annoyed, but I just thought I'm damned if I'm going to give you anything."

It was the second time the Burridge village sub-post office had been targeted in the past 18 months.

The gunman was a 5ft 10in slimly- built white man. His accomplice was also dressed in dark clothing and wore a balaclava.

Police are also keen to trace the car used by the pair. Witnesses described it as a small black square hatchback, around 20 years old and hand painted.