A former racecourse is set to be protected for posterity.

Richmondshire Council is proposing to designate the town's eighteneeth century racecourse as a conservation area.

One of the main features of the site on Low Moor, Richmond, is a Grade II- listed grandstand, which was built in 1776.

Richmond councillor Stuart Parsons described the racecourse and grandstand as unique. He said: "It could be a massively important tourism tool and visitor attraction.

"It's wonderful that, at long last, people have woken up to the possibilities."

By designating the course as a conservation area it is hoped the grandstand, which has been placed on the English Heritage register of buildings at risk, can be prevented from falling into further disrepair, or even restored to its former glory. A conservation report carried out in 2001 said: "Richmond Racecourse is the best preserved eighteenth through nineteenth century racecourse in England and is of national significance."

Although references to horse racing in Richmond date back to at least the sixteenth century, the racecourse at Richmond Low Moor was established in 1765, having moved from Richmond High Moor. Racing continued until 1891, and since then the track has been maintained by Richmond Burgage Pastures Committee for use by local racehorse trainers.

Councillors will vote on making the course a conservation area at a meeting of Richmondshire Council's environment and planning committee tonight at 6pm in Swale House, Richmond.