FANCY getting Royal approval for a trip to York's Ascot festival?

One lucky bidder will have their Royal Enclosure passes signed and stamped by the Duke of York - if they pledge enough cash to those affected by the tsunami disaster.

Prince Andrew has donated two Royal Enclosure passes for June's Royal Ascot at York to an internet auction and cash is already flying in.

The Duke is giving away the prestigious tickets to help UK Radio Aid, which is raising millions of pounds for those displaced by the massive tidal wave which struck South East Asia on Boxing Day.

The tickets, which are being auctioned off on ebay, have proved popular and the leading bidder has pledged £5,450 for the package.

The auction ends on Saturday and the tickets offer is among 200 other items and events donated by celebrities and public figures to help raise vital funds.

The top prize is a trip to next month's Brit Awards with TV personality Chris Evans, which has led one punter to put up more than £80,000 already.

Also among the money-can't-buy goodies on offer are U2 rock star Bono's shades, a tour of 10 Downing Street, the chance to own a yacht and crew in the Carribbean for a week, and dinner for two with George Michael and his partner, Kenny Goss.

At Buckingham Palace, a spokeswoman for the Duke said: "The Duke's aim was to help this appeal and raise as much money as possible for the victims of the tsunami. He wanted to show his support for UK Radio Aid.

"There are a huge number of auctions and this is something a little bit different."

A UK Radio Aid spokeswoman said the appeal had already raised three times more than originally expected.

"This is a fantastic gesture by the Duke. We have already raised more than £3 million and this before our ebay bids are counted up. We are delighted with the way the appeal is going so far."

Chamber celebrates guest coup

THE Duke of York has accepted an invitation from the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to be guest speaker at its annual meeting at the National Railway Museum on March 3.

The chamber's annual dinner is the most prestigious event in its diary, and attracts businesses from throughout York and North Yorkshire. More than 500 attended last year's sell-out dinner and more than 600 are now expected to attend what will be the biggest event in the regional chamber's history.

The chamber's success in attracting the prince follows its achievement last year in securing former BBC director general, Greg Dyke, shortly after he lost his job at the corporation.

Chamber chief executive, Len Cruddas, pictured, said: "We are delighted that The Duke of York will be speaking at our annual dinner and are very much looking forward to welcoming him to the heart of York and North Yorkshire's business community.

"We see his acceptance as confirmation of our growing standing in the business community and wider recognition for the importance of York and North Yorkshire as a modern, dynamic business location."

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, January 20, 2005