A BRAVE shopkeeper proved more than a match for a knife-wielding intruder.

Sandra Dobson tackled the masked youth who was robbing the grocery store she has run for eight years on Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close Estate.

She let go only after he put her in a head lock and knocked her to the ground. The intruder then grabbed the till and ran out of the shop, on to Proudfoot Drive.

He dropped the till in Abbey Road before fleeing with its contents along an alley between Ford Way and Scott Road.

Last night, police praised the courage of the 56-year-old grandmother, who was shaken but unhurt after her ordeal.

Mrs Dobson said: "I saw him frantically trying to open the till. I was so angry I tried to stop him."

Detective Constable Tony McDougall appealed for help from anyone in the area, between 1.30 and 2pm on Tuesday.

He said: "Mrs Dobson was very brave, even though what she did goes against all the advice we give. She could have been hurt herself. It was a very courageous thing to do."

The intruder wore a dark woollen mask with white edges around the eye and mouth holes.

He was white, about 5ft 10in and spoke with a local accent. He had a dark wool jacket with white letters on the back, which were possibly the Umbro logo. His trousers were dark, and he wore gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact (01388) 603566