A STARSTRUCK film fanatic is banking rather more than most on the success of Arnold Schwarzenegger's political career.

Robert Coppini stands to win a massive £100,000 if the Terminator star - who this week became Governor of California - makes it all the way to the White House.

The 53-year-old pay-roll assistant has wagered £200 on it, at odds of 500-1, with bookmaker William Hill, and he hopes his long-time screen idol will do him proud. Hills have since slashed the odds to 50-1. While current US rules prevent people born outside the country becoming president, Mr Coppini believes the former Mr Universe, who he has met briefly on two occasions, can do anything he sets his mind to.

"Whatever he has set out to achieve, he has," said Mr Coppini, who works at County Hall.

He had originally tried to put £500 on his hero, but William Hill refused such a large bet.

"Arnie was a scrawny youth but he became a body building champion," said Mr Coppini.

"Then he went to Hollywood and declared he was going to be the biggest box office hit in the world."

Mr Coppini, from Little Acton, near Ombersley, has been to the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles six times, spending days camping outside.

In July this year, he went to Leicester Square for the premiere of Terminator 3 and managed to get the big man's autograph. He also met Arnie briefly at his own restaurant, Schatzi, in Santa Monica.

"The bet is, if he EVER becomes president - so it could take years - but I'm very hopeful," said Mr Coppini, who is single.