YORK racecourse officials put out an urgent invitation to the nation's celebrities and punters today: "Come on over - the weather's fine!"

The racecourse had been inundated with calls from around the country from people worried about reports of tornados and snow storms in Yorkshire.

James Brennan, a spokesman for York Racecourse, said people had called saying they were slightly nervous about the weather reports, but he hoped such fears would not make any great dent in the 80,000 visitors expected over the three days of the multi-million pound Ebor meet, which started today. Mr Brennan said: "Across the three days, this meet is the racing and social highlight of the year. We are hoping that this will be a very busy year and the talk of tornados and snowstorms won't put people off."

The meeting is expected to attract the usual soap stars, including Claire Sweeney, who plays Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, and Tricia Penrose, barmaid Gina in YTV's Heartbeat along with Sir Alex Ferguson, a keen race fan, and players from his Manchester United squad.

As thousands of racegoers were expected today for the start of the popular August meet, police were bracing themselves. Chief Inspector Ron Johnson, of North Yorkshire Police, said officers were expecting serious traffic congestion. He added: "We have detailed plans to make sure the meeting is successful and life in the city is not unduly affected."

The weather is expected to warm up for those racing fans enjoying a day out tomorrow and on Thursday.

A spokeswoman for PA Weather Centre said a few cloudy spells and odd light showers were expected today, but it would stay dry for the rest of the week and temperatures would rise into the 70s.

Chris Barber, manager of Ebor Racing in Gerard Avenue, Heworth, said punters were busily placing their bets, especially for tomorrow's Ebor Handicap, which has a guaranteed prize of £175,000.

The city's hotels and B&Bs reported being full to bursting point. The Novotel, the Hilton and the Swallow hotels were all fully booked last night, and for the remainder of the week.

Eileen Worrall, landlady of the Blue Bell on Fossgate and president of the York Federation of Licensed Victuallers, said pub owners looked forward to Ebor week as it brought in so much extra trade during an otherwise quiet midweek period.

Janet Keenan, landlady of the Little John in Castlegate, said that while all York race meets were good for business, the Ebor made tills ring the most.

"We're quite busy already but expect tomorrow to be heaving," she said.

PICTURE: STAND AND DELIVER: Gemma Hudson tends to the blooms in the old County Stand at the Ebor meeting in York today

Picture: Mike Tipping