A CHURCH gardener was attacked and robbed by a knife-wielding thug as he cut the grass in a Bolton graveyard.

The vicious thief held the knife at 21-year-old Tom Atkinson's throat before ordering him to hand over his cash.

The terrified gardener refused but was then punched in the face and pushed to the ground where he was then repeatedly kicked in the head and ribs.

Detectives were today hunting the attacker who stole Mr Atkinson's grass strimmer which he then threw away into a stream.

The attack in the graveyard at St Maxentius Church, Bolton Road, Bradshaw, has shocked the community.

The vicar, the Rev David Dunn, said he was "extremely saddened" by the attack.

The incident happened as Mr Atkinson was working alone cutting the grass around the graves at 8.10am on Saturday.

Mr Atkinson of Red Lane, Breightmet, was wearing ear pads and a visor when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

The thug -- who was brandishing a knife -- asked Mr Atkinson: "Can I have your money?" He then attacked him.

Mr Atkinson, an employee of CR Garden Services, Harwood, then walked to the vicarage -- 100 yards away -- to raise the alarm.

Police officers arrived on the scene within minutes and discovered the stolen £350 garden strimmer, but the attacker had already escaped.

Mr Atkinson was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital with a broken nose, head and rib injuries. He was later allowed home after treatment.

Recovering from his injuries today he said: "I can't believe that this has happened at that time of the morning in such a quiet neighbourhood.

"It has left me very badly shaken."

The Rev Dunn bitterly condemned the attack which he referred to as an isolated incident.

"We are all saddened that a young man earning his living can be attacked in such a location at that time in the morning," said the minister.

"It is a regrettable state of affairs. I am grateful he was not more seriously injured."

The thief is described as white, 5ft 10in, stocky build, wearing black combat trousers, white scruffy t-shirt and black cotton gloves. He spoke with a Liverpool accent. Anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact Astley Bridge Police, tel: 0161 872 5050.