A masked mugger who targeted a woman cash collector and robbed her of £1,200 has been jailed for four and a half years.

Heroin addict Philip Cross lay in wait for victim Linda Glenister, 59, as she went on her rounds in Church.

He was arrested after two residents wrestled with him until police arrived, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Cross, 44, who has a criminal record from the age of 13, left Mrs Glenister seriously injured and bleeding.

She's been attacked three times in her 30-year career but still does the job, although with "great trepidation" the court heard.

Cross, of Spring Street, Accrington, admitted robbery.

Judge Beverley Lunt said Cross had worn the mask to terrify his victim. He knew she would be carrying cash.

The judge said: "She is a brave lady struggling to carry on with her life and her work."

She also commended residents Brian Pearson and a man named only as Mick for their actions and awarded each £500 out of public funds.

Sarah Statham, prosecut-ing, said Mrs Glenister had been a collector for a local loans firm for 30 years. Cross pre-planned the robbery and wore a green Hallowe'en mask with black hair.

At about 7.30pm she was carrying £1,200 and some cheques in a wallet under her arm when the defendant, who had been crouching behind a car, flew at her, knocked her over and demanded "give it me".

The defendant was on top of the victim trying to get the wallet and repeatedly banged her head, making what one witness described as a sickening thud.

Eventually Mrs Glenister let go of the cash and Cross ran off but two men who had been watching television at home had been alerted to the commotion outside.

The man known as Mick chased the defendant and when he slipped on a grass verge, he detained him.

He and Mr Pearson then wrestled with Cross until police arrived.

Miss Statham said he didn't have the wallet on him, but police found the cash and the mask beside him.

Mrs Glenister, who is from Rossendale, suffered a cut head and was bruised.

Joe Boyd, defending, said Cross did not use weapons or gratuitous violence.

The offence, although against a background of "a welter of previous convictions" was out of character. Cross fully accepted he must serve a custodial sentence.

Mr Boyd added Cross had been on courses for his drug addiction whilst on remand and was now motivated to become drug-free.