A bookmaker has announced it is paying out early on bets placed on David Cameron to be Prime Minister and the Conservatives to win the most seats in the General Election.

Paddy Power said it is so sure of a Tory victory that it is stumping up £100,000 before the results of Thursday's ballot are revealed.

The pay-out applies to single bets placed before 9pm on Monday.

The bookie said Mr Cameron's strong performance in the final TV debate last Thursday shortened the odds on the Tories winning the most seats from 1/5 a week ago to 1/16.

Paddy Power said: "Dave is heading for Downing Street and punters can come and collect their cash.

"If money talks then what we have seen in the last few days tells us the Conservatives are going to win the Election.

"The only question remaining is whether they secure enough seats for the all important majority - and the betting is starting to suggest they can."

However, punters backing Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown may take comfort from Paddy Power's early pay-out on Arsenal to win the Premier League in 2003 - Manchester United pipped the Gunners at the post.