Police have thanked two female shop staff and several members of the public who tackled jewellery robbers in Battle last September.

Two Kent men who pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing have been sentenced at Brighton Crown Court today.

Leon Holder, 21, of Hawkhurst, Kent and William Smith, 30, of Tenterden Road, Golford, Cranbook, Kent were sentenced to seven and six years respectively for a robbery on Friar House Antique Jewellers in High Street, Battle.

Detective Constable Costin Bonell said: "The sentence that Holder and Smith received today reflects the seriousness of their actions. "Holder disguised himself as postman to gain entry to the jewellers and having a getaway car parked nearby their intentions to make off with a considerable amount of jewellery was evident.

"The staff, although frightened, showed real courage in fighting the robbers off and those members of the public who helped to detain on of them in the street.

"This is an excellent example of members of our local community working together with the police to help catch and convict people responsible for crimes."

On Friday, September 17, at around 11am, Holder and Smith, who was dressed as Royal Mail postman, walked into Friar House Antique Jewellers.

They smashed the display cabinets and steal several items of jewellery worth over £15,00.

Two female staff attempted to push the robbers out of the store with metal poles and managed to activate the store alarm which alerted the police.

As the suspects fled an elderly man was knocked to the ground and received a broken femur.

Members of the public intervened and William Smith was detained on the street until police arrived.

A search for the second robber was launched and two cars were found nearby. One was a stolen Skoda Octavia. Leon Holder was arrested on suspicion of robbery later the same day.

Detective Inspector Ian Williams of Rother CID said: "This was a very frightening incident that happened on a busy high street in broad daylight. "I would like to thank the two female members of staff who showed immense bravery and the public who detained Smith at the scene until police officers arrived. "I am delighted to see that the public-spirited actions of these people have helped us arrest and convict Holder and Smith. "I will be recommending them to receive official recognition for their brave actions."