AN e-fit picture of the teenage thug who hit a school meals supervisor on the head three times has been released by police.

Sandra Hope needed 20 staples in three head wounds after the attack, which occurred near Crook on Wednesday morning, as she took a short cut to work on the first day of term.

The 54-year-old grandmother, who lives in Crook with her husband, Brian, is having daily checks at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and has been badly traumatised by her ordeal.

She was knocked to the ground and then hit twice more by her assailant, who is thought to be about 18 years old.

Mrs Hope said: "I thought he was going to kill me. He kept on hitting me. I daren't go out until he is caught."

Despite her fears, she has bravely spoken out in the hope that someone will help police catch her attacker.

The teenager struck at 10.30am on a path from the Farrers' Arms to Roddymoor, which has been Mrs Hope's regular route to her job at Peases West School for ten years. The teenager ran off in the direction of Roddymoor with Mrs Hope's bag and black leather purse, containing about £30.

He was 5ft 7in, slim, with short, black hair, gelled at the front. One witness saw him in a blue peaked cap, navy Puffa jacket and Adidas tracksuit trousers.

Detectives want anyone with information to contact them on (01388) 762011.