LEADING figures in York today welcomed the prospect of the Queen visiting the city when it hosts Royal Ascot.

The reaction came after the Evening Press contacted Buckingham Palace about whether the Queen would maintain her traditional visit to the famous race meeting and high society event when it moved north.

A Palace spokeswoman said it was too early for the Palace to confirm the Queen's detailed arrangements for the festival, but indicated that she would attend the five-day racing spectacular in York in 2005.

She said: "The Queen always attends Royal Ascot. Although it is far too early to confirm the Queen's arrangements for 2005, she normally attends. There are also plans to have a Royal procession at York in 2005."

Royal Ascot York is to be held at Knavesmire because of a £180 million redevelopment at the Berkshire track.

York beat off competition from Newbury, Cheltenham and Newmarket to hold the festival, which attracts more than 300,000 racegoers.

The prospect of The Queen returning to York Racecourse for the first time since 1977 was welcomed by some of the city's leading figures.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We'd be thrilled if the Queen were to visit York again in 2005. It would be a great honour for the city.

"York has lots of Royal support, not least that given by the Duke of York, who is a regular visitor to the city. The Queen's attendance at Royal Ascot would provide us with a marvellous opportunity to showcase our world-class racing facilities."

William Derby, York Racecourse chief executive, said: "The Queen is a very great supporter of racing and we would be delighted to have her support. She would be most welcome."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "Royal Ascot at York represents an excellent opportunity for the city and is great way to showcase York."

City council chief executive David Atkinson said city residents would be consulted on plans to reduce the impact of traffic during the festival.

York-based train operator GNER also indicated it would be putting on extra trains to deal with the huge volume of race-goers expected to flock to the city.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, August 12, 2003