A pub company boss has praised a manager who tackled an armed robber during a terrifying raid.

Richard Dewhirst, supervisor at the Bart’at ale and wine bar in Ilkley town centre, pinned down Philip Gibb held on to him until police arrived, after the robber had brandished an imitation weapon and demanded the takings.

Gibb, 31, of Woodlands, Ben Rhydding, was jailed for four years earlier this week after admitting robbery and possessing an imitation firearm, as reported in today’s Telegraph & Argus.

Simon Midgley, managing director of Market Town Taverns, which owns the bar, said: “We thank Richard for his heroic act.

“However, we don’t recommend any of our managers take this course of action in the future.

“We’re all very pleased that no-one was hurt and are now looking forward to putting the incident behind us and getting back to normal.”