A TOTAL of £1645 has been raised in support of staff at a village shop after they were threatened during an armed robbery.

Three men armed with knives and a hammer threatened staff at the Co-op store on St. Kenelm’s Road, Romsley, earlier this month.

After the raid, resident Chris Bestwick, a member of the Friends of Romsley and Hunnington, suggested that an appeal was launched to "provide a meal or similar treat" for staff at the shop following the shocking incident.

A JustGiving appeal was launched with the help of Romsley St. Kenelm’s Scout Group which received 100 donations from villagers and community organisations.

On Friday, May 17, members of the Friends of Romsley and Hunnington presented the store manager with a specially designed gift voucher which invited all members of staff and their partners to a special meal at the Swallow’s Nest in Romsley.

Ray Carr, a member of the Friends committee said: “We were shocked and saddened by the robbery. Romsley Co-op is a vital part of our community, and the staff are always so friendly and helpful to everyone. We were amazed and delighted by the generosity of the community, and it was our pleasure to present this on behalf of the villagers”.

Robbers struck the Co-op shop at around 7.20am on Friday, May 3. They escaped with a quantity of cash and cigarettes.

The robbers then made their escape in a white-coloured Ford Fiesta, which was last seen driving in the direction of Halesowen.

Detective Sergeant Ian Tomlinson of North Worcestershire CID said: “This robbery took place at a time when people may have been visiting the store or driving past on their way to work or on the school run.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen something or has dashcam footage they can share with us.”

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident should call DS Ian Tomlinson at Kidderminster CID on 01562 826105 quoting log 67i of May 3.