MAD Hatters Evenings will be held in the run-up to Royal Ascot, following the success of a York shop's bid to highlight the range of hats available for race-goers.

Anne Menzies pulled in a shop-full of customers after inviting leading a London company to showcase its hats at her business, Felicity Hats in Clarence Street, York.

James Lock, of St James, showed off a range of top hats - including an antique worth £2,000 - bowlers and ladies' millinery during the event on Thursday evening.

Anne said it was "a very successful evening". Guests were told the history of Locks, while Felicity Hats' fresh range of headwear for Royal Ascot was also on show. "The tempo is definitely picking up with people choosing their hats," said Anne. "There's a lot of hot pink this year, but really anything goes."

She said Mad Hatters Evenings were now on the cards following the success of the "toppers" night.

Updated: 10:19 Saturday, March 05, 2005