THE odds have been slashed on one of York's most historic homes opening its doors to Royal Ascot racegoers.

Council chiefs looking at ways to make extra cash from the Mansion House, the city's plush civic property, are jumping on the Ascot bandwagon.

Residents are flocking to rent their homes to punters when the five-day festival starts next June.

Stately homes, luxury country pads, five-star hotels and even budget youth hostels are lining up to provide race fans accommodation.

Now we can reveal that City of York Council is looking at ways to market Mansion House as part of a corporate VIP package for the Royal meeting.

Since the Georgian masterpiece was built in the 18th century it has hosted thousands of lavish events.

The entertainments budget may have been slashed over the years, but the exclusive venue is still considered York's "hidden gem".

York's first citizen, Lord Mayor Janet Looker, today played down fears the historic home, and its noted collection of silver, could be swamped by drunken punters. Coun Looker said: "It would not be there for people to coming in off the streets to have a quick drink.

"This would be hired, probably by people paying to have a corporate event."

Councillors have rubberstamped plans aimed at making the Mansion House more accessible to the public. It could be opened up for the general public for guided tours at least two days a week and an advisory group has looked at ways to bring in more business events at a cost of £1,000 a time to help pay for its upkeep.

The Lord Mayor said: "It's an expensive building to look after, and it would be good if we could make it more self-sufficient without affecting its quality.

"Royal Ascot seems as good a time as any to raise funds which will help keep it in good order. This is a win-win situation."

The council's executive member for heritage, Keith Orrell said: "This is the sort of thing the Mansion House was used for in the first place, to entertain people coming into York.

"We hope it will bring more business to the city."

A council spokeswoman said she could not confirm how much the authority was planning to charge if the Mansion House swung open its doors for Ascot.

She said: "We have not made any formal arrangements yet."

Updated: 11:07 Friday, November 12, 2004