THE "final piece" of the jigsaw for Royal Ascot at York was confirmed today as regional development agency Yorkshire Forward handed the city a £650,000 grant.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said the cash - which will fund two thirds of Ascot's expected £1 million cost to the authority - would help to put the "whole region on the map".

The news came as Ascot project leaders warned city people they would face traffic congestion during the five-day festival of horse racing in June, but said a new traffic masterplan would aim to minimise the delays.

Of the Yorkshire Forward cash, £316,000 will go to the council to help the city maximise the long-term benefit of the meeting, while the rest will help promote the city and region at the racecourse.

It will also help fund a major promotional campaign to encourage longer-term tourism, business and financial investment in York and Yorkshire.

Coun Galloway said: "This is the final piece in the jigsaw for the event and will allow the project team to confirm their arrangements.

"My expectation is that not only the city of York will benefit from this event. It will help to put the whole region on the map."

Council chiefs hope their new traffic masterplan will help to minimise the impact on residents when the world comes to the city in June.

During an exclusive interview with new "Ascot Tsar" Shane Chalmers and key council officer Bill Woolley, more details emerged of the authority's plans to host the five-day horse racing festival.

They revealed:

The total cost of staging Royal Ascot will be nearly £1 million - but taxpayers will not foot the bill

Festival events in York city centre will begin four days before the start of racing

A team of 570 police officers will be dedicated to policing Royal Ascot

New traffic management measures will aim to minimise congestion for York residents, but motorists will have to get used to some queues

A total of 11,000 people are expected to arrive at York by train every day, and the capacity for each day will be 56,107.

Mr Chalmers, the project manager charged with "catapulting" the city on to the international stage, said the focus would be on ensuring that as many people as possible enjoyed the experience.

He said: "What we want to do is create an atmosphere in the city. We want people to be involved regardless of whether they are going to the races or not."

Mr Woolley said the council had taken on board criticisms of its traffic trial, during last year's Ebor Festival, and had developed its system.

He said: "People should not get the impression that there won't be any traffic impact. We are developing a plan which will get the best out of the network, but there will be increased congestion.

"It is important people realise that we have developed a good plan, but it won't magic away the traffic.

Mr Chalmers said: "A successful Ascot would be for as many people as possible to enjoy the experience and to maximise the long-term benefits for York."

Updated: 14:40 Friday, February 18, 2005