A film producer today won a High Court royalty fight with the Monty Python comedy team - but he said his victory was tinged with sadness.

Mark Forstater, who produced the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail, claimed a share of profits from the spin-off musical Spamalot at a trial in London.

Python stars disputed his claim and three - Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones - gave evidence at the trial.

Mr Forstater argued that for ''financial purposes'' he should be treated as ''the seventh Python''.

Palin, Jones and Idle - who formed the comedy outfit with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Graham Chapman more than 40 years ago - disagreed.

Judge Mr Justice Norris today ruled in Mr Forstater's favour.

Mr Forstater said afterwards that justice had prevailed and estimated that he would be entitled to more than £200,000.

But he said he was sad that friendships had ended.

"I have always been adamant I was correct. I have been proved right - justice has prevailed," said Mr Forstater, 69.

"There is a sadness though about having to face people who were my friends in court."

He added: "The friendship has gone. Terry Gilliam and I used to share a flat. We go back 51 years."

Mr Forstater said he did not think the litigation would harm the Pythons' reputation.

"They're an institution," he said. "I still think they are very funny."

He said final figures would be worked out at follow-up hearings but estimated that he was "due" about £220,000 plus interest.

No members of the Python team were at court to hear the ruling.