Steve Baker, from East Hunsbury, could not believe it when he was offered odds of 20/1 for the Saints to take the National League title last year and 50/1 for them to win every game but eagerly bet £10 on each outcome.

Jim Mallinder's men duly obliged with a 100 per cent record but Totesport in Wellingborough Road, Abington, said the staff member who took the bet had given odds for the Cobblers instead of the Saints and refused to pay up.

But, like his rugby team, the 43-year-old refused to be beaten and put the matter in the hands of the county court which has led to Totesport settling out of court.

The father of two said: "It came as a bit of a surprise when I got a letter from them and a cheque but I'm over the moon.

"I just want to thank everyone who has supported me through this. Someone said it just shows that the man on the street can take on a big company and win and that sums it up."

The court case was due to be heard on December 18 but Totesport have offered him £700 plus his £20 stake and £60 court costs.

Totesport spokesman Damian Walker said the company felt its stance had been justified by an earlier regulator's decision, which ruled that the Totesport employee had made a human error, but now felt it was right to pay out.

He said: "It was a gesture of goodwill really. It is not a huge amount of money and we thought it was easier that way."

Although Mr Baker said he does not consider himself a gambling man, the experience has not put him off betting and he recently put £2 on the Saints to win the Guinness Premiership this year at 80/1.

However one member of his family will be especially relieved at the news of Mr Baker's big win.

He said: "I had banned my father-in-law from going to Totesport while this was going on but he's now got the go-ahead to start going again so he'll be pleased."

Mr Baker said most of the money will be spent on a family Christmas.