NEW facilities are on the cards for one of the region's racecourses.

The Horserace Betting Levy Board has given approval for an interest-free loan of £120,000 towards a new Owners' and Trainers' Club, at Thirsk Racecourse, North Yorkshire.

The existing Owners and Trainers' Bar is considered inadequate and has to be augmented by temporary facilities on race days.

Located between the pre-parade ring and parade ring, close to the saddling area, it will be a single-storey brick and tile building, designed to cater for 120.

A bar, Tote betting and toilets will be available on completion. Users will be able to look out on to the pre-parade and parade rings.

Construction will begin on receipt of planning permission, and the work should be completed by next summer.

The loan of £120,000 will help towards the total estimated project cost, of £163,000.