Martin Pick, 38 and his son Declan, 17, entered the shop with Declan pushing his father in on a wheelchair. Posing as old ladies, the pair wore wigs, overcoats and carried handbags.

But seconds after entering, Mr Pick leaped from his wheelchair and brandished a shotgun he had hidden under his blanket.

Uncowed, postmaster Anthony Williams chased the pair out, with the attempt caught on CCTV. However, he was hit over the head with a crowbar by one of the men who was swiftly disarmed by a customer.

At Leeds Crown Court Mr Pick was sentenced to 18 years in prison. His brother, Mark, who acted as getaway driver, was given a 16 year sentence. Declan Pick will be sentenced at a later date.