SHAY Casey and Bobbie Doogan from Colne have been named among the county's top young citizens.

The youngsters, both 16, were highly commended in the High Sheriff's awards after helping catch a street robber.

The girls, who both live in Burnley Road, were at the Asda supermarket in the town when they witnessed a 51-year-old woman being robbed at a cashpoint.

The man pushed the woman out of the way, grabbed £150 in cash and then ran off.

But he didn't count on the determination of Shay and Bobbie, who chased after him.

They were able to provide vital information to the police about the man and even spotted a cigarette that he had discarded, which police were able to use for forensic evidence.

The recovery of this item was crucial to the inquiry team and led to the suspect's early arrest.

Within six days of the robbery in November last year, William Butler, 36, of Nelson, was arrested and charged with the offence.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in prison at a court hearing last month.

Bobbie said: "I saw him looking a bit suspicious and when I saw him steal the money I just ran after him. I grabbed him but he was able to get away.

"I saw what he looked like and was able to tell the police."

Shay said: "I didn't really think about what we were doing we just wanted to help the woman get her money back."

Det Constable Tim Maddox said: "These girls did a fantastic job to try to protect a vulnerable lady who was in the process of being robbed. Not only did they help the lady but they also secured vital evidence which led to a conviction."