YOU can only be impressed by the amazing dignity with which postmaster Alan Davies and his wife Rosalind have dealt with events since Mr Davies was attacked and left for dead at the Hanley Swan Village Stores in 2005.

He was lucky to survive being beaten with an iron bar after he disturbed burglars.

Last year his attackers, Thomas Lloyd and Malcolm Hitchings, were each sentenced to 12 years at Worcester Crown Court.

Despite admitting that it was a devastating attack that has changed their lives for ever, the couple, at least publicly, have never shown any signs of anger toward their attackers.

Even last week, when the Court of Appeal cut their sentences to eight years, or a minimum of four, saying the original sentences were too long for two young men of 20 years of age, Mr and Mrs Davies were dignified in their criticism of the judicial system.

Their concern is that all those people who worked so hard to secure a conviction at the original trial, had no right to be heard at the appeal.

The strength of feeling from people since the Court of Appeal decision has now prompted Mr and Mrs Davies to raise a petition, which they plan to present to the Home Office.

Their cause deserves support and the petition can be signed at post offices in Hanley Swan, Hanley Castle, Barnards Green, Upton and Welland.