A MILKMAN with 45 years service has told how he curled up in a ball to stop attackers stealing his takings on his final round before retiring.

The 62-year-old was set upon by two youths in Mariner's Court, Marske, east Cleveland, on Friday.

Tom Green has now handed over his clothes for forensic examination as police hunt the youths.

The incident happened shortly before 7pm when a man in a balaclava attacked Mr Green and tried to grab his bag.

The attacker and an accomplice ran off empty-handed when they were disturbed.

Mr Green, who was on his final night of collections, was left with cuts and bruises.

He said the incident would not have deterred him from doing his job, which he is leaving to drive a taxi.

He said: "I'd have carried on as normal, although I'd have been a bit more wary.

"I was coming away from one house and as I reached the gate, I saw this lad towering above me. He must have been in his late teens or early 20s.

"He shouted 'give me the money!' and hit me on the side of the head. He kept shouting 'give me the money!'.

"I'm 5ft 3ins and he must have been about 6ft 2ins, so he stood well above me. I just curled up in a ball and kept hold of my money bag.

"I suppose with Christmas coming up, they thought 'here's easy pickings, easy money'. I'm just grateful two of my customers scared them off.

"If they hadn't have been there, they'd probably have got the money.

"It could have been a lot worse. What if he'd had a knife?"

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "It is believed that, while running away from the scene, one of the two ran into the path of a vehicle travelling along the Coast Road, causing the driver to stop briefly. The police would like to hear from this driver and anyone else who they believe may have witnessed this incident."

Witnesses should call Detective Sergeant Lou Matthews on 01642-302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.