ROYAL Ascot at York has had the royal seal of approval.

Last week's sporting and social festival has been declared one of the most significant racing events in living memory by the country's most respected racing follower, the Queen herself.

Praise has been showered on the way the city and its racecourse organised Royal Ascot, which turned into a glittering occasion all round.

Nearly 230,000 people attended the five-day event - yet there was surprisingly little trouble.

Keen race-goers and the merely curious turned out in force and were treated royally by the racecourse.

The city can take a moment to pat itself on the back.

Updated: 09:42 Monday, June 20, 2005