A PREGNANT shop worker has described the terrifying moment she was robbed by three masked men armed with wooden blocks and a chain.

Alexandra Hill said she feared for her life when the gang burst into the Spar shop, in Burnley Road, Harle Syke, and ordered her and an 18-year-old colleague to hand over cash.

The 22-year-old opened the tills and the men, two carrying three foot long wooden sticks and one a rusty chain, grabbed around £1,200.in cash.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the robbery, which occurred at 9.30pm on Monday, to come forward.

Ms Hill, who is three months pregnant, was sweeping the floor in preparation for closing the shop when the attack took place.

She said: "We were petrified because we were afraid they might use the weapons on us.

"The one with the chain told us to open the tills.

"I opened the tills and backed away.

"They came round the back and took the money."

One of the attackers punched a scratch card stand before all three left the store, which had never been robbed before.

A passer-by outside the shop was also threatened with the chain before the men ran off towards Finsley Street.

Ms Hill, who has worked at the shop for one year, said: "I was scared for my life when the three lads came in with balaclavas over their heads.

"I would have done something if I hadn't been three months pregnant.

"I am worried about going back to work. It took me an hour to get the courage to walk back in the Spar today."

In May 2005 shop owner Lisa Beresford was forced to employ bouncers after staff had been reduced to tears by abuse from under-age drinkers demanding to be served alcohol. T The security staff, who were only employed for a short time, tackled the problems inside the store but did not stop youths gathering outside.

Ms Beresford is having new CCTV cameras, which will have clearer images and better positioning, after the robbery.

She said: " The new CCTV cameras will be more modern and there will be more of them.

"I am considering getting security guards as well.

"Both the girls are shook up and scared by what happened so I will be going up and closing for them to make sure they are okay."

Police said that the men were between 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall with dark track suits and wearing hooded tops.

The man carrying the chain had an Asian accent and the other two spoke with northern accents. All three wore balaclavas.

Detective Sergeant Vinny De Curtis said: "This was a nasty attack.

"The men left down the disabled ramp and we think someone might have seen them at that time.

"They may have also used a vehicle to get away.

"Anyone who saw any suspicious vehicles or men acting suspiciously should contact the police."

Burnley CID are looking at CCTV foorage and anyone with information can contact them on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.