Two workers were threatened with a knife during a robbery at a bakery.

Oddie's Bakery on Leeds Road, Nelson, was targeted at around 7.30am today.

A man brandishing a knife entered the shop and threatened two female members of staff, forcing them to open the safe, before making off with a substantial amount of cash.

Police are now appealing for help to find the man after the women were left fearing for their safety.

Sergeant John McNamara of East CID, said: "This is a nasty offence which will have caused the victims some obvious fear for their own safety while they were simply doing their job."

The man is described as being around 5ft 8 inches tall and very thin.

He was wearing navy blue tracksuit bottoms which were covered in dust and dirt, and a black bomber style waterproof jacket

He was also carrying a blue carrier bag and had a neckerchief covering his face.

Police said the man left the shop, turned right and headed towards Nelson town centre.

Sergeant McNamara added: "The area would have been quite busy at this time and I would ask that anyone with information, or who saw a man matching this description, lets us know."

If anyone can assist the police with their investigation they should call 01254 353864 or 101 quoting log number 167 of November 29.