MORE than 20,000 people enjoyed The Press Family Raceday at York Racecourse.

Families made the most of the final day of the school holidays yesterday, with children’s activities including a fairground, bouncy castle and face painting competition. They could also ride an “equisizer” mechanical horse, dress up as jockeys and meet retired racehorses and greyhounds.

The celebrity of the day was Captain Barnacles, from children’s television series The Octonauts, who was joined by Timmy the Lamb from Timmy Time.

The Duck family from York had a successful day, especially after mum Lynsey backed a winner with Demolition in the 3pm race.

Lynsey said: “It’s just a fantastic day out. Everyone makes you feel welcome.”

York Elvis impersonator Eddie Vee, who also stood as York Central candidate for the Monster Raving Loony William Hill Party in the General Election, left his microphone at home and was also there with his family, including two grandchildren.

He said: “We have been on everything, and my daughter April, 17, has won first or second in every race.”

James Brennan, spokesman for York Racecourse, said it was a good day with a relaxed atmosphere and lots of smiling faces.