ASCOT chiefs have warned racegoers with Royal Enclosure tickets that they must wear a top hat if they are to gain entrance.

The racecourse has heard of a number of incidents where people have hired morning suits without also getting a top hat.

But Ascot today said the dress code for the Royal Enclosure insisted that top hats were worn with a morning suit, and that those punters who turn up without one will be turned away.

Nick Smith, Ascot head of communications, said: "It would be really unfortunate if people from the York area, who haven't been to Royal Ascot before, miss out. It would be so unfortunate for people to be turned away."

Meanwhile, a York interior designer has come up with some impressive Ascot-inspired lampshades.

The handmade shades, crafted in dupion silk with marabou and feathers, are selling now at Plaskitt & Plaskitt in York.

Owner Pete Plaskitt said the colourful designs were influenced by the bold fashions at ladies' day.

He said: "This year has been very sixties inspired; very colourful, geometric prints with big patterns.

"When we asked Katrina Sudding to make lamp shades for Ascot she looked at some of the wallpapers and fabrics we've had in this year that have a sixties influence."

Table lamps are selling for £175 in a range of styles and bright colours. Standard lamps are available to order.

Mr Plaskitt said Katrina Sudding, who owns company Katsie Kallou, started life making hats before branching out into lamp shades.

He said they had been selling well, with most being purchased to light-up bedrooms.

"They are really great designs, we are really pleased with them," he said.

"I think the city really has to embrace Ascot because it is a one-off thing - anything you can do to make the most of it you should do."

Updated: 11:21 Monday, June 13, 2005