A have-a-go hero postmistress was among more than 50 people to be praised at a police awards service.

Daphne Perkis was among a crowd of villagers in Ditchling who chased and caught two masked robbers who tried to raid her post office in December and threatened to shoot one of her colleagues.

She was presented with a special award for outstanding bravery at the East Sussex division police awards ceremony today.

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, the East Sussex divisional commander, said: "The awards present an opportunity for me to recognise the significant contributions of a large number of police officers, police staff and members of the public in keeping East Sussex a safe place for all who live, work or visit."

Other award winners included Eastbourne supercop PC Scott Franklin-Lester and Hailsham police community support officer (PCSO) Alison Bond.

PC Franklin-Lester made more than 83 arrests in the last year and was held up as an example for his key role in tackling the problem of street drug dealers who come to Eastbourne from London to sell illegal substances.

PCSO Bond was commended for her bravery and quick thinking when protecting a victim during a street fight in Hailsham town centre.

Ch Supt Wilkinson, who led the ceremony at Hailsham East Community Centre, in Vega Close, Hailsham, said: "I am always humbled by the actions of individuals and teams who clearly go the extra mile to ensure we work together to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable in communities throughout East Sussex."

Mrs Perkis was left traumatised after the dramatic incident at her post office.

Two raiders burst into the building and threatened to use a gun on Mrs Perkis, postmaster David Holmes and his wife Clare and children Katie, seven, and James, four.

As they pushed her she pushed and kicked back.

They fled with a bag of money but were pursued by along the street by the staff and villagers who joined the chase.

The bungling pair made it to their car at The Bull pub nearby but then crashed outside the post office and were restrained by the mob until police arrived.

Mr Holmes has been nominated for the Unsung Hero award at the Argus Achievement Awards for his part in the arrest.