A 33-YEAR-OLD woman is recovering from a terrifying ordeal after being forced to drive from Bury to Breightmet at knifepoint in her own car.

And on the way, the two car-jackers ordered her into a petrol station to withdraw cash from her bank account.

After reaching Breightmet, the thugs stole the keys to her 4x4 vehicle, a solitaire ring, sunglasses and mobile phone.

Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police's helicopter was scrambled in the hunt for the robbers.

The drama began at 2.15pm on Thursday (May 31) when the woman was sitting inside her four-wheel-drive vehicle in the car park of DIY store Wilkinson's on The Rock, Bury. Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood of Bury police said: "Two males jumped inside, banged the woman's head against the window and threatened her with a knife.

"They took her handbag and then forced her to drive to Dearden Service Station in Bolton Road where they demanded she withdraw money from her bank account."

The frightened woman was then ordered to drive to Breightmet where the men fled on foot after stealing several items.

Det Sgt Heywood continued: "This lady was very badly shaken up and was extremely frightened throughout."

One of the thugs is described as 5ft 7in, aged in his early 20s, slim build with short sandy blond hair, blue eyes, clean shaven and wearing a red fleece top and cream trousers.

His accomplice was around the same age, of heavy build with short dark brown hair, brown eyes and wearing a dark top.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Det Sgt Steve Smith at Bury CID on 856 8150.

Alternatively, they can telephone Bury operational crime unit on 856 8157 or freephone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.