THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to York, as residents and tourists alike relaxed and enjoyed the Bank Holiday sunshine.

Nearly 14,000 people were in the city for the Timeform Charity Day at York Races, which raised £130,000 for good causes including cancer care and research.

The figure helped the racecourse break the £3.5m barrier for the amount generated by the event in its 35-year history.

Spokesman James Brennan said "It was a great day for the first-ever August Bank Holiday races, and the most important thing is that we raised a lot of money for charity.

"The event was moved from its normal June slot because of Royal Ascot, and so a lot of organised trips would have been here earlier in the year. But many groups came again and enjoyed the holiday atmosphere.

"We had the Test Match showing on the big screen and every time it flashed up England seemed to have taken another wicket.

"We alternated this with the Rugby League Challenge Cup final between Leeds and Hull.

"It was a wonderful weekend for Yorkshire and for sport."

The famous Calendar Girls from Rylstone Women's Institute presented the trophy for one of the races and also judged the 'Best Turned Out' prize.

Among fun events throughout the day was weighing the winner of the ladies' amateur race, who was awarded her weight in champagne.

Mr Brennan said many punters were celebrating after firm favourite Tax Free romped home and there were also Yorkshire-trained winners.

Money raised came from entrance fees, a charity auction and sponsorship money.

Residents in Osbaldwick made the most of their long weekend by reviving their charity gala.

The event began with an outdoor service and hymns led by St Thomas' Church in centre of the village on Sunday afternoon.

The fun was continuing today with a fete on the large football field featuring stalls, face painting, fancy dress, a duck race, rabbit show, treasure hunt and penalty shoot-out competition.

Organiser Gerry Jackson, landlord of the Derwent Arms, said: "The gala has not been held for many years but we had a special one for the millennium and that was so successful we decided to revive it.

"We're hoping for another good family day out today."

Families took part in more sporting activities during a mini-Olympics at the Next Generation Health Club.

The event included traditional races and games at the St John's Playing Fields.

Updated: 09:40 Monday, August 29, 2005