A shop assistant who was forced to hand over cash at knifepoint in a robbery at a Colchester store has warned other shop workers that it not worth risking their life for the sake of cash.

Dick Page was getting ready to close up Chris and Dave's Family Store on Bergholt Road when a man walked in wearing a balaclava and brandishing a knife and demanded cash.

But the thief got away with under £100 after the robbery at 9pm on Friday evening as workers keep a minimum of money in the store, which is open seven days a week.

Mr Page, 52, said: "He wanted me to open the till and said he had been watching the shop and he threatened me.

"When you have got a knife in front of you - just a few inches away from my chest - there was no way I was going to refuse."

He said he thought the knife was about four or five inches long, but everything happened very quickly.

He advised other shop assistants: "Your life's not worth losing for a few quid."

But he said he was annoyed with himself as he was trained in armed combat and martial arts.

"You are stuck behind the counter in the shop. I don't like the idea of someone getting the better of me."

Police are hoping to trace a motorist in his 40s who returned to the shop just after the robbery as his daughter had insisted she had spotted a man with a mask going into the shop as they drove past.

Det Con Amanda White, who is investigating the incident, said the robber was about 5ft 7in or 5ft 8ins with a slim to medium build. He had a local accent and was wearing a dark balaclava and gloves and an overall and made off in the direction of Braiswick.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Det Con White on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Monday January 14, 2002