FRIENDS of a Wolverley postmaster have welcomed news that the "gentle giant" will not face charges for stabbing an armed robber to death.

West Mercia Police last week announced Richard Watkins would not face prosecution over the death of 28-year-old Scott Griffiths, whose body was found in a car eight miles from the village after a bungled attempted robbery in June.

Tony Higley, postmaster in neighbouring Cookley, said it was "a great relief" that the saga had been brought to "a satisfactory if not happy ending".

He said: "Richard has recently been looking very drawn and white and he looks as though he's lost about a stone in weight.

"It's obviously been playing on his mind - I'm so relieved that it's all over and he will finally be able to get back to normal," he added.

Police had handed details of their investigation relating to Mr Griffiths' death over to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Watkins, 50.

Wolverley residents rallied round the postmaster after the incident on June 20, in which he stabbed the masked robber, who hit him with a shotgun.

Mr Watkins has since re-opened his post office.

Police said inquiries are continuing in "all other aspects of the incident".

Wyre Forest MP David Lock praised the CPS for making "the right decision".

He said: "This is an important point for Mr Watkins - I hope he will be able to move on and rebuild his life."

But retired GP Dr Rod Summers, who lives opposite the Wolverley post office and was one of the first on the scene at the time of the incident, dismissed suggestions that Mr Watkins had anything to recover from.

He said: "To my mind, this has been over and done with for a long time.

"I'm pleased that he won't be charged but not relieved because I never thought he would.

"Richard acted as a hero and anyone who suggests there should be something on his conscience is talking rubbish," he added.