RACEGOERS will be digging deep into their pockets, bookies shouting the odds and trainers dreaming of a big winner as they come under starters' orders - it bears all the classic hallmarks of a day at the races.

But enthusiasts heading to Thirsk racecourse later this year will not be looking to make a mint from the traditional sport of kings.

Instead, they will be focusing on a race likely to take a little longer than the average seven-furlong showdown - as a collection of garden snails all strive for the winning post in the Snail Derby.

The gimmick is the brainchild of the Herriot Country Attractions Group and is part of a major drive to bring tourists back to the region after the devastation caused by foot-and-mouth disease.

But as well as providing a little light entertainment, the race in late May will have a serious side, with a place in the Guinness Book of World Records at stake.

Owners are being encouraged to have their entrants in peak physical condition to make an assault on the current record for a snail completing a 13in circuit - 2 hours and six minutes.

David Shields, of Hambleton Council's tourism department, said: "The racecourse has really been getting into this and they're planning to have bookies covering the snail race, with money going to racing-related charities, perhaps an injured jockeys' fund.

"The bottom line is that we want to get people back into the district and this will be a fun way of helping to do it."

Another snail race is planned for June 7 at the falconry centre at Kirby Wiske, near Thirsk.