KNIFE-WIELDING robbers threatened and tied up two shop workers before fleeing with a large amount of cash.

Darren Gibson was locking up McColls newsagents in Car Bank Street, Atherton, when two masked men ran in at 9.50pm on Sunday.

One held an 8in kitchen knife up to the throat of his female colleague.

They demanded money and the terrified staff did as they were told. Mr Gibson, aged 30, said: "I was just putting the shutters up when two men ran in and demanded money.

"They held a knife up to my colleague's throat and we were both really scared.

"One pushed her into the back office and tied her up while the other made me unlock the safe.

"They tied me up as well and ran through the fire escape shouting that they would come back.

"It was an awful experience, but I am determined to keep working - I am not going to let them win."

Mr Gibson freed himself and closed the door behind the robbers before contacting the police.

He suffered a small cut to his knuckle.

The thieves stole a large amount of money and mobile phone top-up cards from the safe.

Store manager Tracey Knowles said: "Both members of staff have been left very shaken by this.

"Every time we see the door open now we think is it a customer or a robber?' It has affected all the staff.

"They knew what they were doing, they took the CCTV tape with them. We just hope they are caught."

One of the robbers is 5ft 5in tall, slim and spoke with a Manchester accent. He was wearing a black woollen bob hat over his face, a long-sleeved dark coat, dark trousers and black woollen gloves. The second man, who was armed with the kitchen knife, was 6ft tall, medium build and wore a long-sleeved top.

Anyone with information should contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.