POLICE were today hoping a dawn patrol outside Padiham Post Office would provide vital clues to last week's raid.

Officers were stationed outside the premises in Burnley Road in a bid to jog the memories of passers-by who may hold information about the raid.

The move follows last night's high visibility patrols in the village where postmaster Roger Clarkson and his wife Marilyn were kidnapped by armed robbers a week ago.

Detectives are hoping both patrols will help jog the memories of villagers who may have information about the abduction of the couple, from Newchurch-in-Pendle.

The couple, who run Padiham Post Office in Burnley Road, were targeted by a gang of at least three masked men, who tied them up after bursting into their home last Wednesday night.

They were held overnight before being bundled into their car at about 5.30am on Thursday and driven a mile away to Tinedale farm track.

Police said they believed two offenders then drove off to the post office in a Sherpa-style van, part registration J4 while the couple were taken 25 miles away to Preston and abandoned in Mill Lane, off Chorley Road, Walton-le-Dale, at 8.55am. It is believed the gang raided the post office while the couple, who were distressed but not injured, were being driven around in the blue Volkswagen Golf, registration A6E WE, for about an hour.

Detectives said the men had a number of weapons but are satisfied that no firearms were used during the raid.

Bosses at Consignia, which runs the Post Office network, reopened Padiham Post Office earlier this week - although Mr and Mrs Clarkson have not yet returned to work.

The store had been closed since last Thursday morning when police moved in to seal off the post office and surrounding area amid reports of kidnap and robbery.

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.