RUMOURS were intensifying today that the Beckhams may come to York for Ascot.

A well-placed source in the racing world claimed gossip was rife among jockeys that David and Victoria would be staying at the Aldwark Manor Hotel, near Easingwold, for the five-day festival.

It is rumoured they paid a mystery couple up to £100,000 to change their wedding plans for the Manor because their big day clashed with the Royal Ascot meeting in York, probably in June next year.

The source said: "The jockeys are all talking about it. The couple were first offered ten grand, but refused to move it.

They finally accepted when the figure was pushed up to £100,000." A spokeswoman for Aldwark Manor, which is part of the Marston Hotels chain, said today: "Due to confidentiality we don't comment on people who stay in our hotels.

"However, we can confirm that celebrity guests do stay in Marston Hotels. Read into that what you will."

Other rumours doing the rounds are that the golden couple plan to stay at The Parsonage, in Escrick, Middlethorpe Hall and The Pavilion Hotel in Fulford.

The Evening Press hasreported in recent weeks how York properties could be rented out for tens of thousands of pounds during Royal Ascot.

Have you moved your wedding to accommodate Posh and Becks for Ascot? Contact Matthew Woodcock on 01904 653051 ext 305 or email matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Originally published: 27/04/04

Updated: 16:10 Tuesday, May 04, 2004