THE postmaster and postmistress of Passfield Post Office have thanked everyone who has given them support following the armed robbery at the post office last Wednesday.

Jane and Alan Guard said they have received cards and flowers from customers, neighbours and friends.

Mrs Guard said: "It's helped to restore our faith in human nature."

The postmistress said she and her husband were left shaken by the robbery but added: "Thank goodness that there were no customers in the shop during the incident."

The robber threatened Mrs Guard with a knife and she fell backwards, slightly hurting her back.

Flowers and cards started arriving first thing last Thursday morning, she said, after the store was reopened after the robbery.

The couple have run the post office for 18 years and nothing like this has happened before, said Mrs Guard.

She thanked Post Office retail network manager Andy Pitt for his support and said the couple would also like to thank Hampshire Constabulary officers and Dc Ian Mears at Alton CID for all their help.

Police are now hunting for the robber who struck last Wednesday lunchtime. Police were called to the Passfield Post Office at 12-25 pm.

The robber snatched a quantity of bank notes before running to a newish blue hatchback which was parked outside the store. It sped off towards Lindford on the B3004.

The car's number plates, RJI 6539, had been stolen in Aldershot during the last month.

The man is described as being between 6ft and 6ft 2in tall and of proportionate build, with short, dark brown hair and a moustache.

He is described as resembling the French footballer Eric Cantona and may have been seen in the area on the Thursday and Friday (May 10 and 11) before the robbery.

There was also a possible sighting of the man entering Whitehill Post office on Saturday, May 12.

On each occasion and on the day of the raid he was said to have been wearing a navy boiler suit, a black baseball hat and wrap-round sunglasses.

Anyone who believes they may have seen either the suspect or the vehicle should contact Dc Ian Mears at Alton CID on 0845 045 4545.