A FEMALE receptionist was pushed into a back room by armed robbers during a raid on a hotel in Bolton.

The masked men threatened her with a six-inch black baton while they ransacked the office.

She was working at the Premier Travel Inn in Chorley New Road, Horwich, near the Beehive roundabout, on Tuesday evening when three men walked into the foyer shortly after 7pm.

One of the gang stood guard at the door while the other two jumped over the counter.

They grabbed the terrified receptionist and pushed her into the back room.

During a search of the office, they grabbed money and cheques. The masked raiders fled, leaving the distraught receptionist to raise the alarm.

Detectives are now appealing for information about the robbery. They are anxious to trace a car which was seen in the area at the time.

Detective Constable Ged Earley from Bolton CID said: "Fortunately the receptionist was not injured during this frightening incident, however she was left shaken.

"After the men left the hotel, a small black car, possibly a new 05-registered BMW, was seen in the car park. This may have belonged to the offenders or could have just been someone turning around in the car park. "I would like to appeal for the driver of that car or anyone who may have seen it in the area to contact us so the vehicle can be eliminated from the inquiry."

The three robbers were all described as 5ft 6ins, of medium build and aged between 20 and 30. They were all wearing black woollen balaclavas and dark clothing.

A Premier Travel Inn spokesman said: "The contents of the safe in reception were stolen. No staff or guests were injured. "The receptionist was shocked and has been offered trauma support. It is now a matter for the police and we are co-operating with their investigation." Anyone with further information about the robbery is asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5797 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.