MEET the man charged with bringing Royal Ascot to York and "catapulting" the city on to an international stage.

Shane Chalmers has been appointed as project manager to ensure the five-day festival runs as smoothly as possible.

In preparation for the event, in June, Mr Chalmers will work as co-ordinator with groups representing the business community and transport providers to tackle areas including communications, traffic management and city events.

He was appointed by City of York Council, and has temporarily moved from his role of head of facilities for education and leisure.

Mr Chalmers has previously managed large-scale events such as the UK Snooker Championships at the Barbican Centre, a number of large shows held in York, Europe's largest book fair and the British Golf Championships in Carnoustie, Scotland.

"This is a really important event for York," he said.

"Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for the city in terms of visitor numbers and distinguished guests, in terms of media, we can expect it to be catapulted on to an international stage. I'm really looking forward to working closely with our partners to make sure that Royal Ascot at York runs as smoothly as possible."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "I am delighted with Shane's appointment. Not only does he have sound experience in organising major events, he is very familiar with the city and its local communities.

"As we enter the final run in to this important event, the project manager will play a pivotal role in the city's preparations. I am confident that the arrangements which have already been put in place will make the event something that we can all be proud of.

" Not only does he have sound experience in organising major events, he is very familiar with the city and its local communities. As we enter the final run in to this important event, the project manager will play a pivotal role in the city's preparations. I am confident that the arrangements which have already been put in place will make the event something that we can all be proud of."

Earlier this month, Coun Galloway hit back at claims that not enough work had been done to make Royal Ascot a success, and accused "some people" of having a "vested interest" in the failure of the prestigious racing event.

Labour leader Dave Merrett had said it was worrying that the council was only now appointing a special officer to oversee the event.

Updated: 11:47 Tuesday, February 15, 2005