Two elderly lady civil servants have pulled off a £10,000 win on the horses – for a mere 20p stake.

The two, who live in north Watford, picked all six winners in Saturday’s ITV six accumulator bet – including 20-1 and 33-1 shots.

They placed their bet, 10p each, at J. Ward Hills’ betting office in Leavesden Road, after selecting their “pin prick” formula horses.

They returned on Tuesday to receive a cheque for £9,772.91 from shop manager Roger Paul. They have asked to remain anonymous.

Mr Paul said: “It’s a once in a lifetime win.”

And one of the lucky punters said: “We shall be trying our luck again this week.”

[From the Watford Observer of July 12, 1974]