Man robs elderly NSW couple

A hooded man armed with a screwdriver has robbed an elderly couple in their NSW home, police say.

The 75-year-old Newcastle homeowner woke to a noise at 3am on Thursday to find a man trying to break in through the rear door.

Police say the man then forced his way through the front door.

The offender threatened the resident and his wife, 68, with a screwdriver and demanded they hand over their wallets.

He grabbed a mobile phone and wallet from their bedroom, then fled.