WINNERS at Royal Ascot have not been confined to the racecourse.

While some York businesses have been losing out this week, others have been reporting a boost in trade.

Even those a bit further afield have enjoyed a busy few days.

Kay Hyde, of York Tourism Bureau, said accommodation in the city was at an estimated 95 per cent occupancy.

She said: "Our occupancy for last June was 80 per cent, so it is a lot better.

"Places such as Middlethorpe Hall and the Marriott are completely full, and have been for quite a while."

A spokeswoman for Middlethorpe Hall Hotel and Restaurant, in Bishopthorpe Road, said staff were "run off their feet" this week. The hotel had been booked up for a few months.

Michael Edmondson, manager of Meltons, in Scarcroft Road, said the restaurant had taken on extra staff and altered the menu slightly for the race meeting.

He said: "We've been extremely busy. We have had to turn away about 150 to 200 people.

"What's been nice about the people we have had in is they have involved us in their day. They weren't really drunk, they were drinking really nice wine and appreciating the food. All the staff have really enjoyed it.

"Ascot has been great for York and we have really reaped the benefits. People have been asking us to move south."

Bettys Caf and Tea Rooms, in St Helen's Square, had a run on picnic boxes and breakfasts for people on their way to the races.

Branch manager Paula Kay said: "We have been rushed off our feet.

"We have also been taking a healthy number of bookings for our Belmont Room."

Racegoers have also given businesses in Ryedale market towns a welcome boost.

Ann Hopkinson, Mayor of Malton, said the town had been buzzing thanks to the five-day event.

"I think it's certainly made a difference. Dress shops have had hordes of people in buying clothes to go to Ascot. There has been a lot of excitement. It's certainly brought visitors to the area, and will have helped a lot of shops," she said.

Peter Mudge, town centre manager for the Malton and Norton Initiative, said: "I think Ascot has benefited the town on various different levels. The hotels I think are busier, and the cafs and so on. It's given the area a feel-good factor and raised the profile of the towns."

Updated: 10:20 Thursday, June 16, 2005