THOUSANDS of racing enthusiasts will flock to York for Royal Ascot next week - but it appears that few are willing to stay in North Yorkshire, and even York has accommodation to spare.

Transfer of the meet to York racecourse prompted many in the county to offer their homes for rent.

A distinct lack of interest has left most disappointed.

Accommodation ranged from bed and breakfast to stately homes with five-figure weekly rental rates, but the windfalls has failed to materialise.

Estate agents Boulton and Cooper Stephenson had more than 100 homes on offer, priced from £50,000 for the week to £50 per night, but a spokesman said: "There has not been much interest at all. Only about ten properties were taken up, mostly within walking distance of the racecourse. Visitors just aren't prepared to travel distances.

"A lot of people thought it was a chance to make some money, so prices were quite inflated, but it seems visitors would rather spend their money on hats and champagne."

The 18th century Constable Burton Hall near Leyburn was offered for £40,000 for the week. Owner Charles Wyvill said: "The market just wasn't there. People wanted to be as close as possible to the racecourse. The train service from London is good, so maybe a lot of people decided to do that, or just decided not to go to the meet this year."

Newby Hall, near Ripon, was one of the most expensive properties at £64,625 for the week, but owners Richard and Lucinda Compton had no takers. Sir John and Lady Ropner had a similar experience after offering their nine-bedroom Georgian house at Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, for £50,000.

In York itself, there is still plenty of accommodation for the week or single nights. A spokesman from York Tourist Board said: "Rumours that accommodation would be impossible to find haven't done us any favours. That simply isn't the case. There are still places available."

A week of street entertainment starts tomorrow for visitors to the city who are less interested in horse racing.

Though some hotels inflated their rates for the week, many mid-range and budget accommodation are the same price as normal; details are available on 0870 2258866.

Where the Queen is staying has not been revealed, but one of her options is a night at the Nag's Head in Pickhill, near Thirsk. When her horse, Shining Strand, came first in a hurdle race at Wetherby, her prize included £5,018 and a voucher for a room and meal for two at the inn. All 16 rooms are booked, but landlord Edward Boynton is confident he could find space for Her Majesty, should she deign to stay in Pickhill.

l York police have given assurances that public safety will be maintained. Hundreds of officers will be deployed throughout the city, with extra officers drafted in from other forces.