A Tadcaster businessman today vowed to continue trading - despite being raided for at least the 20th time.

A knife-wielding robber demanded cash from a terrified assistant at Barry Hanby's Tadcaster confectionery shop, The Chocolate Box, at 5.20pm on Saturday.

Amazingly, Mr Hanby - who owns four Tadcaster businesses and two in Boston Spa - has reported a total of at least 20 similar incidents since 1990, and believes this is the sixth one at The Chocolate Box.

In previous cases, the brave grandfather has punched a thief and fended off robbers armed with a knife - by hurling cereal boxes at them. On another occasion his son was threatened with a screwdriver.

But defiant Mr Hanby, 73, says he has no intention of letting the crooks win.

He declared: "Why should I be pushed out by some low-life scum?

"You do think, not again. But you have to get on with it. Sadly it's become a way of life now."

Mr Hanby said his heart went out to staff. The worker threatened in Saturday's raid - a woman in her 50s - was uninjured. She plans to continue behind the counter.

Mr Hanby arrived at the store only minutes after the raider fled. "He came in and held a knife out and said: 'Come on, I want the money out of the till,' and took some notes," said Mr Hanby.

Police are hunting a white male, about 5ft 7in tall, of skinny build who was wearing a checked blue and white lumberjack-style shirt and "Benny" hat.

A handkerchief hid his face. He was last seen fleeing down an alleyway at the side of the shop towards the river. Anyone with information should phone Selby CID on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:34 Monday, March 15, 2004