A robber earned himself years in prison for trying and failing to rob two post offices at gun-point.
Adam Jones, 21, left empty handed on both occasions, but staff were terrified by his threats.
The first incident occurred at 3.30pm on July 19, at the Post Office in County Road, Ormskirk.
Jones, from Ormskirk himself, entered the store brandishing the fake gun, but left without getting his hands on any cash.
However he tried again at the Post Office in Square Lane, Burscough, 40 minutes later, where he again demanded money but was unsuccessful.
Jones was arrested a short time later on Flax Lane, Burscough, and officers found an imitation revolver nearby.
He was later charged with two counts of attempted robbery and two of possessing an imitation firearm, and pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court.
He was jailed for five years and four months.
Detective Sergeant Paul Mulrooney, of Lancashire Police, said: "Adam Jones is clearly a dangerous offender whose actions that afternoon sparked fear and alarm in the community.
"His behaviour was callous and reckless, causing genuine fear for the staff members he targeted, who did not know the firearm was a fake.
"Thankfully no-one was harmed and nothing stolen, with quick police work leading to Jones’ capture shortly after the second raid.
"This was a fast-moving investigation with support from a number of people, including victims who provided Jones’ description to officers, as well as response officers who arrested him. I would like to place on record my thanks to them."
