TOFFS who want to arrive at Royal Ascot in York in style are hiring rail trips to the city on the Orient Express.

Travel company Charterhouse Mercantile Leisure has chartered the famous Northern Belle train to ferry high society to Knavesmire in comfort.

For £399 plus vat, and £499 on Gold Cup day, patrons have been snapping up seats on the 1930s reflection train which is offering luxury return travel from London King's Cross to York.

By booking a trip, patrons can guarantee Grandstand and Paddock tickets to York Racecourse, brunch with bucks fizz and a Racing Post on the outward journey, and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return trip.

The company, which is offering trips on every day of next year's Ascot festival, said it was offering customers a high-quality trip - a one-off chance to experience both the delights of the Orient Express and the Royal racing occasion.

"We can cater for up to 250 people a day in six carriages. Seats are selling very well indeed," a spokeswoman said.

"It's a long journey and a lot of the hotels in York have been booked up for well over a year.

"This is a very pleasant and enjoyable way to enjoy the trip in style.

"We are committed to this trip and to helping Royal Ascot at York next year.

"A lot of the people who are contacting us are already thrilled about the prospect of travelling to York and having a wonderful experience at this unique event at York Racecourse.

"For some, it has also been a lifetime ambition to travel on the Orient Express.

"Now they can do both with this trip."

For more details about Charterhouse Mercantile Leisure and its Orient Express excursion to York, phone 01628 669900, or log on the website www.charterhouse-leisure.co.uk/ascot05

Updated: 11:19 Monday, November 15, 2004