TWO brothers have been jailed for carrying out a series of armed robberies, including ones in Barnt Green and Cofton Hackett.

Birmingham Crown Court heard the pair committed robberies at post offices during February 2005.

They threatened staff and held guns to the heads of elderly customers.

On Monday Reece Lynch, aged 19, of Winson Green, Birmingham, was jailed for 12 years after admitting four armed robberies and four charges of possessing a firearm with intent to commit offences.

Richard Lynch, aged 23, of Balsall Health, Birmingham, who had denied the same charges but was found guilty, was jailed for 15 years.

The judge ordered a further charge of attempted armed robbery at a post office in Wythall to lie on the file.

A replica firearm was recovered from Reece Lynch's home and a blank firing revolver was recovered from Richard Lynch's home.

Acting Det Chief Insp Paul Williamson of West Mercia Constabulary said: "These were terrifying ordeals for the staff and customers of these post offices, and we are pleased to have a successful result.

"We worked closely with our colleagues from West Midlands Police.

"This case illustrates our efficiency in tackling serious crime which occurs across force borders."

He added: "Those who are prepared to threaten members of the public with guns can expect to be dealt with seriously by the courts and potentially face a lengthy time behind bars as this case demonstrates.

"We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and where offences of this nature occur we will do all we can to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."