POLICE are hunting the masked robbers who put golf club caretakers John and Jackie Wiltshire through a terrifying ordeal for just £200 and a handful of cigarettes.

The couple were tied up and threatened with violence but, in a bizarre twist, the robbers were concerned that they were comfortable, asking if the ropes were too tight or if they wanted a drink of water.

The drama took place at North Wilts Golf Club, Bishops Cannings, as Mr and Mrs Wiltshire were locking up at about 11.10pm last Thursday.

They were forced inside by two men wearing masks, tied up and made to sit on the floor while the raiders attacked the gaming and cigarette machines, stealing money and cigarettes.

The couple, who have worked at the club for five years, managed to break loose from their bonds ten minutes after the robbers left and raised the alarm.

The police helicopter and ground units were alerted but could find no trace of the two men. It is thought they parked their car a little way from the club before they struck and motorists who may have been passing the area are asked to contact police if they believe they saw the men.

Their car was seen on CCTV footage approaching the club from the Calne direction. One of the men is described as being white, about 5ft 6in and wearing combat trousers.

Club secretary Trish Stephenson said that their system of warning all the other golf clubs in the county had immediately swung into action. She said: "The main issue is that the caretakers were not hurt, although they were badly shaken by their ordeal.

"But they refused to let it get on top of them and they went straight back to work the following day. They have dealt with it remarkably well.

"Everyone I have spoken to say they are shocked at what happened to our caretakers. The thing is that all the machines are emptied every night, which means the most the robbers could have got was about £200, plus the cigarettes.

"It must have been a bizarre experience for them. Although they had threatened them with violence and had tied them up, the robbers seemed concerned they were comfortable, asking them if the ropes were too tight or if they wanted a drink of water."

The damage caused by the robbers in tearing the machines from the walls is probably going to amount to more than the value of the cash and cigarettes stolen.

The club suffered a spate of break-ins three or four years ago, but this is the first time that staff have been attacked.

Chris Dodd, the former secretary of Devizes Town Football Club, has been a member of the golf club for seven years and was one of the last to leave the clubhouse last Thursday night.

He said: "I didn't see anything because it was so dark up there. People are particularly shocked because John and Jackie are such lovely people.

"I saw them the day after the raid and they were obviously still very shocked. Jackie was a white as a ghost. It must have been a very frightening experience for them both."

Anyone with information about the raid should contact Devizes CID on (01380) 722141.