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The work, as telephone sales agents, isn't well paid, but employees can earn commissions, and the regular pay cheque gave Alberto the stability he craved.

The deal, which runs until the end of 2030 allows customers of 30 banks and building societies to use their local post office to withdraw and deposit cash, make balance queries and deposit cheques.

"People will talk about the money, but it's never been about blank cheques," adds Ker.

At that stage it looked as though his only consolation would be to keep hold of the £10,000 high break prize alongside a runner-up cheque of £60,000.

During a rally on Sunday, Musk distributed two $1m cheques to voters at a rally who signed a petition of his against "activist judges".