MORE York residents are being given the chance to sample a taste of Royal Ascot after a ticket scheme was extended.

Ascot has announced that badges for the Rails Enclosure at Royal Ascot at York can now be booked by households within a five-mile radius of the racecourse.

Tickets for the enclosure, which are £4, initially went on sale to residents in the immediate vicinity of the racecourse in March.

Now, from Tuesday, that scheme will be extended. Promotional flyers will be distributed to qualifying areas next week.

Ascot chiefs said the Rails Enclosure had been "well received" and that it was always the course's intention to widen the catchment area as the event moved closer to arriving in the city.

Ticket applications can now be accepted from homeowners with the following postcodes: YO19 5, YO23 3, YO26 6, YO30 1/4/5/6, YO31 0/1/8/9 YO32 2/3/4/9.

Nick Smith, head of public relations at Ascot, said: "The Rails Enclosure has been well received, particularly so on the Saturday. It was always our intention to give those on the doorstep first option and then extend slightly further afield.

"Those buying tickets for this area will be expected to travel on foot or by public transport as there is no car parking available with this enclosure so as not to undermine the City of York traffic plan, which is based on the capacity of the main enclosures only."

Anyone who does not receive a flyer and wishes to apply should phone the Ascot sales office on 01344 876 876, quoting "York Resident Rails Offer" or bookings can be made at www.ascot.co.uk

Tickets are selling out fast in the main stands for the five-day festival of racing.

There is still limited availability in the Grandstand Enclosure, at £50 per person, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The Yorkshire Course Enclosure, at £18 per person, is sold out on Thursday, but still available for all other days, although it is rapidly approaching a sell-out on Friday and Saturday.

Updated: 11:04 Friday, April 29, 2005