AFTER the excitement and glamour of Royal Ascot, it's the turn of North-East ladies to get all dressed up for a day at the races tomorrow (Saturday, June 24).

A bumper crowd is expected at Redcar Racecourse for the annual Ladies' Day meeting, with the fashion stakes high on the agenda.

Gates open at 11am and the first of seven races is off at 1.35pm but there's a lot more in store on one of Teesside's social occasions of the summer.

A fashion show takes place with Redcar's Betty Leigh Boutique after the second race, with lots of designer styles on display.

There's also a Best Dressed Lady Competition in the winner's enclosure after the fifth race at 3.50pm and a Best Hat Competition after the fourth race at 3.15pm.

A host of luxury prizes are up for grabs from racecourse sponsors Market Cross Jewellers, Betty Leigh Boutique, Chic-Hats, and Orange Kerr.

Racecourse manager Amy Fair said: "It's a chance for the ladies of the North-East to really get glammed up and have a fabulous day out and we're expecting a great atmosphere.

"This is one of our premier meetings of the year and there are some wonderful prizes on offer from our sponsors so it really is worth making an effort."

The winner of the Best Dressed Lady Competition will go on to represent Redcar in a Best Dress Lady Competition run by Go Racing in Yorkshire.

Cinderella and her friends will also be mixing with the crowds to ensure a real family feel to the day.

Entrance prices range from £6 for adults in the Course Enclosure to £16 for adults in the Grandstand. Concessions for students and senior citizens are £5 in the Course Enclosure and £13 in the Grandstand. Children under 17 are free.

To get the party spirit started, there's a special Pimms promotion up to 1pm. Racegoers can use a voucher in their racecards to buy a jug of Pimms for £15 instead of the full price of £18.80.