A YOUTH brandishing a large knife held up a shop before he fled with £200.

Police said the robber entered Mills Newsagents, in Hilda Terrace, Pelaw Bank, Chester-le-Street, at 9.30pm on Wednesday.

He confronted one of two woman in the shop, threatened her with a knife and told her to open of the shop's tills.

He fled with about £200 in a plastic bag.

The woman was uninjured, but was left shaken.

The robber wore a dark, bomber-style jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and a blue hat. He also had what appeared to be a tea towel covering his face.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 606 0365.