A QUICK-THINKING grandad was praised by a court after disarming a would-be robber who struck at a supermarket cash point.

Cyril Stubbins, 63, had gone to Morrison's, Pendle Street, Nelson, for breakfast on June 4 when he spotted Quadiri Atiqullah armed with a carving knife.

Atiqullah, 36, had threatened a woman at the cashpoint and was behaving in a volatile way. He threw the knife down and then picked it up again, waving it at Mr Stubbins.

But the retired motor trader wrapped his coat on one arm and moved to Atiqullah, causing him to back away and drop the knife. Mr Stubbins then rang police on his mobile 'phone.

Atiqullah was arrested and jailed for four years for attempted robbery with a recommendation that he be deported.

During an award ceremony at Preston Crown Court, Judge Stuart Baker said Mr Stubbins had acted as a public spirited citizen and, under Section 28 and section 29 of the Criminal Law Act 1826 where the actions of a person leads to a person being charged with an arrestable offence, should be rewarded.

He said Mr Stubbins had acted with "conspicuous bravery". The Judge added: "His prompt and selfless act led to the apprehension of the offender."

High Sheriff of Lancashire Mr Thomas Bowring said: "It gives me great pleasure and it is with great pride that I give you this certificate for your brave and prompt actions. It was exceptional action that you took."

After the ceremony, Mr Stubbins, who has three children and five grandchildren, said: "I am very proud to accept it and grateful that it is appreciated. I think you have to be there for people and if more people were there, there would be less crime."

He added: "I'd be there for anyone in the same circumstances."