Two axe-wielding burglars from North Staffordshire have been jailed.

"Professional criminals" Grant Holder, 42, and Jonathan Williams, 37, both from Stoke-on-Trent, have each been sentenced to seven weeks imprisonment following a burglary in Congleton.

It is understood they broke into the Lion & Swan Hotel in Congleton and stole cleaning supplies.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "On April 8, it was reported that occupants at a hotel in Swan Bank, Congleton, had stolen cleaning products from the storeroom.

"This was captured on CCTV which also showed them in possession of an axe."

Holder, of Spring Lodge Avenue Bridge in Blythe Bridge, and Williams, of Aylesbury Road in Bentilee, appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 28) for sentencing.

They were both charged with burglary other than a dwelling and possession of a bladed article, namely an axe.

Both men were sentenced to seven weeks imprisonment.

The court records state that such a sentence was justified as the defendants are considered "professional criminals".

The court also ordered the duo to pay £85 each in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.