A DETERMINED shop worker refused to give up the chase -- and collared a thief after running for a mile through Blackburn town centre.

Aiden Wignall, 22, sprang into action when the alarm was activated at the Sports Soccer shop in Victoria Court where he works.

People pointed him in the right direction as he gave chase across King William Street, along New Market Street and onto Northgate. He spotted the thief close to Waves and chased him down Nab Lane, across Montague Street and into the Park pub.

Today, he told how he was breathless and "running on adrenalin" when he finally cornered his man.

He added: "My legs were going by the time I got to Montague Street but I just carried on.

"I'm not really built for stamina but once I had started I wasn't going to give up."

His never-say-die attitude was praised by bosses who said they were "extremely proud" of his 100 per cent commitment.

Police commended his actions but urged people to be cautious when tackling criminals.

Aiden, who lives in Blackburn and plays football to keep fit, saw the man running from the shop with a sweatshirt at 11.30am on Monday.

He trapped him in the pub's backyard.

He explained. "I thought at that stage what if he pulls a knife or something on me but there was no turning back. I just ran in and grabbed hold of him before he had chance to do anything about it."

He raised the alarm using the radio link to the town centre security system. A store detective from HMV helped detain the thief until police arrived. A spokesman for Sports Soccer said: "He showed great determination in the execution of company policy which is of zero tolerance to shoplifting."

A police spokesman said: "The normal instinct is to give chase but that is always at a risk.

"This man should be commended for his actions but we would urge caution when dealing with that sort of situation."

lAnthony Dennison, 28, of Holden Mill Caravan Site, Grane Road, Haslingden, appeared before Blackburn magistrates on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to stealing a £28 sweatshirt from Sports Soccer. He was remanded on bail until March 10.