YATES'S Wine Lodge manager David Robertson who was held hostage for three hours by masked gunmen, has vowed to put the ordeal behind him.

Despite nightmares and sleepless nights, he is putting on a brave face and it's business as usual at the Wine Lodge.

But Mr Robertson (pictured), who has been a manager for Yates for three years, is clearly affected by the raid, which had him fearing for his life as they thrust a wet pillow over his face, bashed with a gun and threatened 'to blow away his knee caps'.

He said: "I just don't feel safe. I'm locking doors all the time and putting wedges under my own bedroom door."

This week he is to see counsellors from Victim Support to check whether he's suffering post-traumatic stress, and he is still being treated for injuries to his hands which are numb from where they were wrenched in handcuffs throughout the ordeal.

But for the sake of the 40 staff at the Preston town centre pub, David is determined to look forwards and said: "People I barely know have sent cards and flowers. Derek Shaw took me to Wembley on Saturday. Everyone has been wonderful."

Since the raid in which the men escaped with thousands of pounds from the safe, Yates has stepped up its security measures. It is also offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the raiders.

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