POLICE are hunting two masked raiders who wielded weapons to rob a shop.

The incident took place at about 9pm on Wednesday when the pair entered the Bells Store in Esk Close, Guisborough, wielding hammers and crowbars and stole a significant amount of cash and phone cards, leaving the two female shop assistants extremely shaken.

They made off in an old white Vauxhall Nova hatchback, driven by a third youth. The car disappeared in the direction of Hutton Village.

Barry Hodgson, security manager for the North-East chain of supermarkets, said senior managers visited the two shop assistants yesterday afternoon.

"We have set policies and set procedures and give security classes to all staff. These cover all aspects of security, including dealing with shoplifters and a special section on robbery. Certainly this has been a very off-putting incident."

The men are described as about 6ft tall and in their early 20s.

Witnesses are asked to call Redcar police on (01642) 302626.

Mr Hodgson added that the firm was offering a "substantial reward" for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.