NOT everyone in York is thrilled about the prospect of Royal Ascot, as letters on this page continue to testify.

Yet others remain excited that the five-day Royal meeting is coming to York in June while its Berkshire home is improved at a cost of £185 million.

So the offer from Ascot of £4 tickets for the Rails Enclosure to people living within a two-mile radius of Knavesmire will be welcomed by those wishing to savour the grand occasion, without having to fork out a fortune.

The cynical may see it as a sweetener, but this is a one-off event so why not join in the fun?

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, March 22, 2005