PUNTERS stepping off the train at York Station for Royal Ascot will be handed a right royal welcome.

GNER's two station business managers, Steve Soards and Mark Smith, will be donning top hat and tails to greet passengers as they arrive in the historic city.

It is part of a bid by the York-based rail operator to add a touch of style to the welcome for those passengers arriving in the city.

The company is preparing for five of the busiest days for many years at York Station, as thousands of racegoers converge on the city.

GNER is operating five extra trains each way from London Kings Cross to York during the event. There are also two extra trains from Newcastle to York from Tuesday to Friday and one extra on Saturday.

Updated: 11:01 Tuesday, June 14, 2005