THEY'RE hard at work preparing for the world's most famous horseracing festival.

York Racecourse has been growing over the past few weeks, as course chiefs supervise the building of the bars, restaurants and rooms that will be packed with punters during Royal Ascot At York.

James Brennan, York Racecourse marketing manager, said everyone at the course was getting excited as the five-day festival of racing drew closer.

"There is a real sense of excitement about the place," he said. "A lot of work is going on and the racecourse is becoming a little village all of its own."

Meanwhile, York residents will be able to access dedicated traffic information for Royal Ascot.

Residents can phone a specially-created traffic helpline for information on the arrangements for the Royal meeting.

The lines are open from 8.45am until 5pm now until June 18 - the final day of the event.

They are staffed by members of City of York Council's network management team, who have been heavily involved in co-ordinating the transport arrangements for the meeting.

Peter Evely, head of the council's network management team, said: "There are some major changes to the road network for Royal Ascot at York, particularly in the Knavesmire area, and we realise that residents may feel confused by the system.

"We've already sent information out to every household with the council's Your City Royal Ascot at York special edition. The traffic line and information bulletins will provide additional information to everyone in and around the city, whether they are residents, racegoers or ordinary visitors."

Anyone wanting to get through to the traffic information line should phone 01904 552200.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, June 04, 2005