A SHOPKEEPER praised by a judge for tackling a gun-wielding robber said today: " I was frightened -- but I had to stop him."

Nazir Mahmood, who helps run a grocery and off-licence in Raglan Road, Burnley, spoke as raider Andrew Kewin, 34, started a six-year jail term.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the depressed and alcoholic father-of-two was recognised by the owner, even though he had a towel over his face.

He hit Nazir with the gun after he made a grab for the weapon and then pretended to cock it as he tried to escape.

Nazir and two friends feared for their lives but later caught Kewin, who offered his captors £5,000 to let him go on the way back to the shop.

Today Nazir said: "When he came into the shop his face was masked.

"When I tried to stop him and grab the gun he hit me.

"I shouted at him to get out and three of us chased him. He pointed the gun at us but we managed to fight him to the ground and then called the police.

"I was very shocked."

Asif Javed, who owns the shop, added: "We are very happy that he got six years.

"These people have to be stopped.

"If they don't get a sentence, people think they can just come and rob us and get away with it. I'm very proud of Nazir," said Mr Javed, who himself tackled a robber -- who was later jailed -- at the shop five years ago. Sentencing Kewin, whose children had written letters to Judge David Pirie, the judge said the defendant knew Mr Mahmood would have the day's takings of about £600 and the shopkeeper had shown courage in trying to get the gun from him. Kewin, of Hudson Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted attempted robbery, possessing an imitation firearm, burglary and handling stolen goods.

Philip Holden, prosecuting, said on June 2 Mr Mahmood was closing his store, on Raglan Road, Burnley, at about 10pm.

He was pulling down the shutters and setting the alarm and two friends were outside.

Mr Holden said Mr Mahmood was taken to hospital where he was found to have suffered cuts.

He was discharged after being given painkillers.

The imitation firearm, an air pistol capable of firing plastic ball bearings, was recovered by the police.

Kewin told police he had taken prescription drugs, amphetamine and lager.

In July, Kewin broke into the home of a 74-year-old woman living alone in the early hours. Police were called, Kewin struggled and had to be restrained with CS gas.

Russell Davies, defending, said Kewin had been depressed and his behaviour had deteriorated as his alcoholism had become worse in the last few years.

He recalled little of the events.

He had been to the off licence many times and the offence was extraordinary.

Although he may have been suffering a blackout at the time, his actions clearly demonstrated he knew what he was doing.

He said the burglary was bizarre but he was desperate for help and thought he would get it if he appeared in court.

Kewin did not know the house was occupied by an elderly woman but made a lot of noise to make sure police were called.

He then waited for them to arrive.

Mr Davies , who handed the judge the letters from the defendant's children, said Kewin should be given credit for the courage he had shown in pleading guilty.