A FLORIST sent an armed robber running after whacking him with a roll of cellophane.

Keith Hefford was six inches shorter than the raider, but he didn’t get scared, just angry, when the hooded crook threatened his wife with a screwdriver.

The 48-year-old, who was recently treated for cancer, hit the raider in the arm and sent him packing from the shop in Bournemouth’s Tuckton Road.

“It was the best Valentine’s Day ever,” said wife Karen, 51.

The would-be robber came into Heffords Flowers as they closed at 6.20pm on Saturday.

The crook had covered his face with a striped scarf, claiming he was cold, asked about Valentine’s Day, then took out the weapon.

Keith grabbed the 18-inch long roll of cellophane from the counter.

“I was angry he was threatening my wife, angry he was entering my shop, and angry he was after our money.”

The crook put up a protecting arm, and Keith bashed his hand.

Then Keith pointed to a facial scar from a skin cancer operation last year and shouted: “This is what happened last time, mate!”

The raider fled to a waiting car, a small, light-coloured hatchback vehicle, similar to a Vauxhall Corsa, which drove towards Tuckton roundabout.

The number plate was covered up.

The couple have run the shop for three spells over 22 years.

The crook was in his late teens, around 6ft tall, and of slim build.

He had pale skin, sharp facial features and light blue or grey eyes.

He wore a grey hooded top.

Detective Sergeant Gary Knight has asked anyone with information to call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.