IT was rumoured to be the Ascot holiday home for Posh and Becks.

Now racegoers will get a chance to see what was rumoured to have caught the eye of David and Victoria Beckham as a North Yorkshire hotel announced it was taking bookings for Royal Ascot at York.

Rooms at Aldwark Manor, near Easingwold, are selling like hot cakes, according to those who run the 120-acre estate.

Run by Marston Hotels, 30 rooms have been set aside at the four-star building just for Royal Ascot racegoers.

Thousands of visitors are set to descend on York when the five-day festival of horse racing and pageantry comes to the city in June next year.

The one-off fixture is being held at Knavesmire as Ascot Racecourse undergoes a £185 million redevelopment project.

John Cotter, Marston Hotels director, said: "Royal Ascot is for many the highlight of the horseracing calendar. Its tradition, pageantry and style make it a world-renowned sporting and social occasion.

"Aldwark Manor is the perfect base for racing fans who want to enjoy this spectacular event and guests can be sure of a warm welcome."

Royal Ascot rooms at Aldwark Manor are priced at £295 per night (standard) and £330 per night (executive).

Updated: 10:00 Friday, December 31, 2004