ASCOT bosses gave York people 50,000 reasons to smile today, after announcing an enclosure for next year's showpiece event at Knavesmire would be on sale only to them.

Tickets for the proposed rails enclosure at Royal Ascot at York will be restricted to residents living in the immediate vicinity of York, organisers said.

Details of pricing and the exact nature of the enclosure are yet to be confirmed, but Ascot today said the idea behind the enclosure was to thank local people and to ensure they were involved in what promises to be a memorable five days, next June.

As tickets for Gold Cup Day sold out in Grandstand and Course enclosures, barely two days after going on sale, Ascot unveiled its plans for 10,000 locals a day to pack the rails.

While the arrangements are not yet finalised, Ascot did confirm that there would be no car parking available for those who purchased rails enclosure tickets. The Evening Press understands that rails enclosure tickets will be available to customers quoting a YO postcode on booking lines, although that is still to be confirmed by Ascot.

Nick Smith, Ascot's head of public relations, said: "Naturally, there has been a lot of local interest. We don't want to turn anyone away, so we are looking to open this enclosure.

"It is going to be a challenge but, with all the stands full, it will look amazing and it should be a fantastic result."

It is expected that the Ebor Stand will be the Royal Enclosure for Royal Ascot at York while the Grandstand includes the Knavesmire Stand. The Yorkshire Course enclosure will be housed at Knavesmire's existing course space.

James Brennan, marketing director at York Racecourse, said: "We were aware that some people think Royal Ascot is all top hats and just for people in racing - it's not.

"There is a commitment to be inclusive when Royal Ascot comes to York. Ascot recognises this event is going to be huge for the city and everyone wanted to offer something back to York and the surrounding region."

Steve Galloway, leader of City of York Council, said: "This gives local people a great opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see something like this.

"We are hoping to create a festival atmosphere and we hope Royal Ascot at York is something with which the whole city can join in."

Ann Reid, the council's planning and transport chief, said: "Ascot will create a lot of interest locally. It is good that we are developing a scheme with Ascot that will manage the demands of local people."

Tickets are still available for most days and cost £50 in the Grandstand and £18 in the course enclosure. To book, telephone 01344 876 876 or log on to www.ascot.co.uk

Updated: 10:02 Thursday, October 07, 2004