Betting was suspended on a candidate for Hartlepool mayor last night - after punters went nuts for H'Angus the Monkey.

Internet bookmakers Hartlepoolbet.co.uk were flooded with bets when it offered odds of 100-1 for the Hartlepool United mascot to be voted into office on Thursday, May 2.

Bookmakers in the North-East have not been offering odds on the election, but club press officer Paul Mullen suggested the idea to the internet bookmaker and the bet was offered exclusively on the club website.

There are five candidates up for election, and if H'Angus - or Stuart Drummond as he is officially known - triumphs, the bookie is facing a £10,000 pay-out.

Steve Freeth, of Hartlepoolbet.co.uk, said: "H'Angus was listed as the outsider so we offered 100-1 to win. Paul put a story on the club website, and we had a lot of interest.

"We cut it down to 66-1 and there was still interest. At 40-1, there was more support and we were still getting bets at 16-1. At the moment, betting is temporarily suspended.

"It has taken us a little by surprise. In racing terms a monkey is £500, but this could cost us a hell of a lot more."

Mr Mullen said: "I'm not surprised, especially with the club doing well by reaching the play-offs.