An Aberdeen Press and Journal story has cost bookmakers William Hill’s an estimated £20,000 after they failed to honour the odds offered on Inverness becoming a millennium city.

The bookmakers firm refused to pay out odds of up to 33-1 to punters because it claimed that because Brighton and Hove and Wolverhamptom had also received the prestigious status, it was a three-way tie.

However, people who had placed bets on Inverness to win the award got a shock when their odds were cut by a third.

At the time, the company said that it was similar to Red Rum, Desert Orchid and Arkle finishing at exactly the same time in the Grand National at Aintree.

But after close scrutiny, Hill’s found themselves to be in a difficult position and agreed to pay out.

A spokesman said: “We realise there were a lot of novice punters who were not fully aware of how it would work.

“That is the reason we have decided to give them their money in full.”

The news of the climbdown was welcomed by a syndicate in Inverness who bet £20 at fixed odds of 15-1. They were given a paltry £105 instead of £315.

But after dwelling over the matter, they contacted the Press and Journal and they soon received the full amount.

Babs Campbell, of Ardersier, told the newspaper: “We fought the bookies and we won. It is not as though they do not make enough money out of us as it is.”

One man who placed £200 at odds of 25-1 is now £5,000 better off. Another who placed £100 at odds of 33-1 will get £3,300.