Katrina Russell, a former Knutsford High School pupil, needed eight stitches after she was hit over the head in the living room of the Drovers Arms, Allostock, on Friday night.

"We had just come back from visiting friends, but the last thing I remember is waking up in an ambulance," she said.

The intruder fled empty-handed - leaving his footprints in the snow.

Yesterday (Tuesday), Mrs Russell, who has a six-year-old son Ian, was still shaken.

"I am angry and frightened now because my little boy is usually up there. Now he is afraid to stay upstairs on his own."

Mrs Russell, who took over the London Road pub three years ago, now plans to have bars put on her windows.

"I have worked in Flixton and we were broken into all the time, but I never thought it would happen here," she said.

"I am angry because these people come and rob you blind and then, if they get caught, I will have to pay for them to live the life of Riley in jail."

Any witnesses can call Detective Constable Karen Snasdell on 01606 48000.