An Irish bookmaker has paid £10,000 for a new confessional box at a Catholic church in Newmarket after he was approached for a donation.
Father Michael Griffin of Our Lady and St Etheldreda Church said: "Some bright spark started to ring around anyone who sounded vaguely Irish or Catholic.
"Paddy Power was captivated by the thought of a new confessional box."
Father Griffin said everyone "liked a flutter" and gambling was only a sin if it left a wife and family without food.
The priest said that the person who made the call knew Paddy Power was the name of a betting shop chain but was surprised when Paddy Power himself answered the phone.
Paddy Power Sin Bin
Father Griffin said that the church had been trying to raise a total of £65,000 for renovations, which also included a new altar and font.
The rest of the money raised has come from legacies.
Jockey Frankie Dettori unveiled the new confessional box, which features a small plaque with the words: "The Paddy Power Sin Bin".
Paddy Power said: "From our point of view it's a great fit to sponsor a confession box in a church nestled in the galloping heart of British horse racing.
"We hope that, over time, confessing your sins in the Paddy Power confession box will become a tradition for Newmarket race-goers."