THIS giant 150ft jockey must have one of the best positions in North Yorkshire racing.

From his saddle on the landmark White Horse at Kilburn he has commanding views across the sweeping Vale of York.

The memorable figure of "Yorkshire Jim" has been created as racegoers start their final preparations for when Royal Ascot travels to York from Berkshire.

Marketing bosses even registered his bright orange and yellow racing silks with the Jockey Club for the remarkable stunt.

Amanda Smyth, of Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: "The White Horse at Kilburn is one of Yorkshire's most famous landmarks and we felt it was the perfect picture to welcome Royal Ascot to York.

"The image of the jockey surrounded by some of Yorkshire's stunning countryside encapsulates the importance of Royal Ascot at York to the region's tourism industry."

The figure, which was taller than ten double decker buses, was created for one day only on the 148-year-old 300ft limestone sculpture.

It is not the first time the landmark, which is built in to Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, has been used for publicity.

In 2002, pro-hunt campaigners created a huntsman, complete with red jacket and black riding helmet out of pieces of carpet.

Members of the Real Countryside Alliance revealed that they were responsible for the figure, which they later removed.

Mrs Smyth said Royal Ascot was expected to bring up to 250,000 visitors to York over the five days of the meet.

She said: "Thanks to funding from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, we will be able to capitalise on the interest Royal Ascot at York will generate to showcase York and Yorkshire as a great place to visit.

"The giant jockey is the first of many activities that will be taking place over the coming months drawing attention to York and Yorkshire."

Royal Ascot at York is set to be staged at the city's racecourse later this year and it's the first time in its near 300 year history that the race meet has left its Berkshire home.

Royal Ascot dates back to 1711. Its relocation to York will take place while its Berkshire home undergoes a £185m redevelopment.

Updated: 10:15 Friday, March 25, 2005