A MASKED gang escaped with the day's takings after threatening supermarket staff with a heavy spanner.

Three balaclava-clad thugs burst into Kwik Save in Atherton Road, Hindley Green at 8.10pm last night.

The gang grabbed the cash before escaping in a silver coloured Honda Civic car -- registration number K94 YVM -- which sped off towards Atherton.

The car, which had been stolen days earlier from Rochdale, was later found abandoned in Farnworth.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the car or recognise the offenders.

The first is described as white, aged between 30 and 35, of heavy build with short fair hair receding at the front. One accomplice wore a blue coat and the other a grey coat.

Det Insp Steve Nolan from Leigh CID said: "No one was physically injured but the staff were extremely shaken-up."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7352 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.