TWO masked men brandishing sticks left a shop assistant terrified after they robbed a post office yesterday.

The men escaped with a substantial quantity of cash following the raid on the sub-post office in Charltons, a village near Guisborough, shortly before noon.

They demanded money from the female assistant who was left shocked but unhurt by the incident.

Minutes later the men escaped into a waiting red Ford car driven by a third gang member. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Rievaulx Way, in Guisborough.

Police officers carried out door-to-door inquiries near the post office.

Detective Sergeant Paul Husband said: "Police are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the area of the post office in the front street or who saw the car being dumped in Rievaulx Way."

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact police on (01642) 301957 or (01642) 302626.