PLANNING is under way to bring the centrepiece of Royal Ascot to York when the famous race meeting moves north.

Bosses at Ascot have confirmed that moves are being made to cater for a Royal visit should York Racecourse host the five-day festival of horse racing and pageantry in 12 months' time - and those plans include holding a Royal procession.

Visitors to last week's Royal Ascot were given more information about next year's event, as the Berkshire course prepares to undergo a £185 million redevelopment.

In a question-and-answer briefing covered in the Royal Ascot race card, officials wrote: "The Royal itinerary is not usually confirmed so far in advance, but planning is under way to facilitate a Royal visit."

Ascot operations director Ronnie Wilkie said the Royal procession was very much a part of the meeting.

"The Royal Mews is planning to take four Ascot landaus, 24 grey horses and all the necessary staff north," said Mr Wilkie.

York will host the meeting between June 14 and June 18 next year if Ascot, as expected, begins its massive revamp in October, but everything is subject to the scheme getting the green light from planning chiefs.

Meanwhile, Ascot chiefs also warned York punters wanting tickets and hospitality packages when the Royal Meeting moves to the city to make sure they buy only from "official" operators.

With capacity at Knavesmire set at 50,000, demand for Royal Ascot tickets is set to be greater than ever when the meeting relocates to York.

But Ascot bosses have advised York people wanting badges to ensure they book only through official channels.

A course spokesman said: "Tickets and hospitality packages for Royal Ascot at York in 2005 will be sold by Ascot as normal, although an exact launch date has not yet been set.

"We strongly advise all customers to only make bookings through official Ascot channels to ensure they receive the best value and highest standards of service.

"Booking hospitality through unauthorised sources can lead to disappointment."

Members of North Yorkshire Police Authority were today meeting behind closed doors to discuss policing arrangements for Royal Ascot when it comes to York. Senior police officers have already held talks about the event, and York area commander Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick visited the Royal Ascot meeting at its Berkshire home last week to see how officers there dealt with the huge influx of racegoers.

Updated: 10:46 Monday, June 21, 2004