MASKED robbers tied up three people during an armed raid on a working men's club before fleeing with cash.

Two women cleaners and the manager of the club in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were confronted by two men who burst in as they began work at 8.05am yesterday.

The intruders, wearing black stockings over their heads, broke in through a fire door and threatened staff with a pistol and a metal or plastic baton.

A one-year-old girl, the daughter of one of the cleaners and the manager, was also present.

Two were tied to chairs and the other to a bar rail while the raiders carried out a 15-minute search of the building, gaining access to the safe.

Police said last night that a substantial amount of money was taken.

One of the victims managed to raise the alarm by reaching a mobile phone, and police arrived at the Elder Road club two minutes later.

No one was injured during the raid, but police say the victims were left shocked.

The club was sealed off while forensic teams searched the building.

The man carrying the gun is described as white, 6ft tall, about 30 years old, of a medium build and had a moustache. He was wearing dark clothing.

The other man was black, about 5ft 10in, and thin. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark woolly hat. One of the men spoke with a North-East accent.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the robbery to call Northallerton CID on (01609) 789452