A POSTMASTER and his wife were due to return to work today -- just days after being kidnapped by armed robbers.

Roger and Marilyn Clarkson, of Newchurch-in-Pendle, were at work this morning.

Bosses at Consignia, which runs the Post Office network, said they were preparing to reopen Padiham Post Office, Burnley Road, at 1pm.

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

Detectives said the couple were targeted by a gang of at least three masked men, who tied them up after bursting into their home on Wednesday night.

They were held overnight before being bundled into their car at about 5.30am on Thursday and driven 25 miles away to Preston, where they were abandoned at 8.55am in Mill Lane, off Chorley Road, Walton-le-Dale.

Police said the gang raided the post office while the couple were being driven around in the blue Volkswagen Golf, registration A6E WE, for about an hour.

The couple, who were shaken but not injured, where discovered tied up in the car by a passer-by at 8.50am.

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

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