AN Alton restaurateur has been honoured by Hampshire Police for his assistance in apprehending a man who robbed the Lunn Poly travel agent in Alton High Street last September.

Mr Yim Chan, who runs the Mans Chinese takeaway in the High Street, showed extreme bravery after two men entered the Lunn Poly shop on September 8.

The men, who were armed with CS spray, forced customers and staff into the back of the shop, while the manageress was forced to open the safe, which contained £300.

A member of the public knocked on the window and disturbed the robbery, at which point the men tried to escape.

A police officer who had been called to the scene gave chase, but was incapacitated when he was sprayed in the face with the CS gas.

One of the men ran off down the High Street, and one found his way into the rear yard of Mr Chan's restaurant.

There, the man was confronted by Mr Chan, who asked him what he was doing.

Mr Chan was made suspicious by the fact that the man, who denied stealing anything, was breathing heavily.

He escorted the intruder out of the yard, but then heard a shout from a police officer in pursuit.

Mr Chan restrained the man and held him on the ground until police turned up and arrested him.

He had armed himself with a stick as a weapon, but was not required to use it as the robber had previously dropped his CS spray.

The man was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assault with intent. His accomplice was caught soon afterwards and also prosecuted.

Mr Chan, who was unhurt in the struggle, received a certificate for bravery and a cheque for £200 from the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Anthony Cooke, and Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire, Ian Readhead.

His generosity equalled his bravery, when he donated his reward to the Force Welfare Fund.

WDc Nicola Turton of Alton CID, who handled the investigation, said: "I would like to thank Mr Chan for his assistance. Without his help, there is a chance that we may not have detained the offender."

Mr Chan said: "I wasn't scared because at the time, I did not know what sort of crime the man had committed. I just wanted to look after my business, my customers and my family.

"I was very pleased to receive the award, and it was a pleasure to donate the cheque to the Welfare Fund. I am a retired Hong Kong police officer myself, so I understand policing on the front line and I understand the problems that officers and their families face if they are hurt in the line of duty.

"I would like Alton to be a peaceful town, and so if I see anything suspicious going on, I do not hesitate in contacting the police."