STAFF had to relive a terrifying ordeal at the hands of two masked robbers who burst into a bank with a gun.

Aylesbury Crown Court heard how the robbers made off with more than £5,000 cash and blank cheques after holding up the Halifax branch in Church Lane, Chalfont St Peter.

Employees at the building society recalled the attack on Tuesday at the trial of Kenneth Lumsden, of Cedars Drive, Hillingdon.

Lumsden, 45, is accused of being the driver of the getaway car after the robbery on January 21 last year.

He denies the charge that together with persons unknown he robbed Hilary Wigglesworth, Stephen Williams and Thomas Dean of the cash and cheques.

Lumsden also denies the charge that with persons unknown he was in possession of an imitation firearm.

Benjamin Gumpert, prosecuting, told a jury of seven women and five men that Lumsden was part of the alleged robbery gang with his specific role being getaway car driver.

Mr Gumpert said the two other men, who have not been caught, burst into the branch wearing balaclavas before ordering Mr Williams, the manager, not to press any alarm buttons.

One of the men then jumped over the counter and took cash and cheques from the tills, he said.

Meanwhile the other robber pointed a handgun at employees and a member of the public.

After searching an empty safe the men escaped in a waiting Astra, the court heard. The car attracted the attention of a passing police car at Gravel Hill, Chalfont St Peter, because of its speed. Police gave chase up Joiners Close before the car stopped and the occupants ran off in different directions, Mr Gumpert said.

The court heard that most of the stolen cash was found in and around the car. Lumsden was arrested by police after he was spotted walking down Joiners Lane.

The case continues.