A new witness support service was launched at Bradford Magistrates Court yesterday. Ashley Broadley spoke to two former victims who have joined as volunteers.

A man wearing a balaclava pointed a gun at Andrea and demanded money.

She was working at Thornbury Post Office when she was confronted by the masked raider.

He was screaming at everyone and banged the gun against the protective screen.

"I was very frightened, but managed to set off the alarm button," said the 39-year-old from Great Horton. "He grabbed what he could and ran off."

Andrea, a company director, gave statements to the police and was told she might have to give evidence in court.

"That worried me," she said. "He had seen my face, but I hadn't seen his. It scared me.

"I tried to go back to work but was frightened when anyone raised their voice.

"In bed at night I kept expecting someone to jump out at me with his eyes staring out of his mask.

"The man knew who I was but I did not know him."

Andrea did not have to give evidence at court because one of the robbers pleaded guilty. But the experience has prompted her to join the Witness Service at Bradford Magistrates' Court.

"Victim support came to see me and were very good at helping me come to terms with what had happened," she said.

"When I saw the appeal for Witness Service volunteers, I thought I would like to give something back in return for the help I had been given.

"I wanted to help someone who had been in a similar situation.

"I hope I can make it easier for people who have to come to court - to let them know what to expect."

Mother-of-two Frances, 37, is a lunchtime supervisor at a Bradford school. She had to go to court with a young relative who was to appear as a witness.

"It was a very daunting prospect for her, especially as she had to give evidence three times during the hearing," said Frances.

"We both had the support of a Witness Service volunteer. The volunteer was really helpful and made us both feel more relaxed and comfortable.

"The service helped prepare us and we were shown around the building during a pre-court visit. It really helped to take our minds off it."

Frances said the whole experience would have been a lot worse without the support from the Bradford Crown Court Witness Service.

"I wanted to give something back," she said. "I rang the Crown Court to see if any volunteers were needed and was told a Magistrates' Court Witness Service was being set up.

"I hope I can do as good a job as the volunteer who helped me."

Before the Witness Service was set up, it was the busy court ushers who helped look after witnesses.

Chief court usher Pat Dimmock said many witnesses were terrified about giving evidence.

"Some are mortified at the prospect," she said. "We seek to comfort people. Some are really scared."

"I always have a supply of tissues on hand for them."

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