ARGUS employee Mark Bennett was attacked by a gang of youths after he came to the aid of workers in a Newport shop.

Classified controller Mr Bennett had popped into the Spar store in Maesglas near the Argus offices when he became involved in the frightening incident.

"There were a couple of kids in the shop giving the girls grief," said the 33-year-old.

He said they had been asked to leave but would not go and were abusing the staff.

"I told them to go out and backed them out. Outside the two of them and six others jumped me.

"They punched me and backed me up against the wall, punching and kicking me." Shop staff pushed the panic button and Mr Bennett, who lives in Abertillery, later contacted police.

He suffered bumps and bruises but said it would not stop him doing the same thing again.

Eighteen-year-old shop assistant Rachael Madden praised Mr Bennett for his actions.

"The two youths were threatening us and messing around. We wouldn't serve them because they are banned. Mark stepped in and said 'leave them alone' and they started threatening him.

"It was really nice of Mark and he came in later to see if I was all right."