A CUSTOMER operations administrator at a tea factory has spoken of her surprise after scooping the best dressed lady racegoer in Yorkshire title.

Thirsk Racecourse representative Jill Dales, overcame competition from eight other tracks in the region, including her hometown Redcar, Catterick, Ripon and York, to win prizes including a £2,500 vintage diamond ring, a two-night spa break and a £500 fashion voucher.

Her winning outfit at the Go Racing in Yorkshire final in Doncaster featured a Cameo Rose monochrome dress, a black bolero jacket and a black and white fascinator from Bespoke Fascination of Guisborough, black heels and a black clutch bag.

Head judge Helen McIlroy said: "We felt that Jill’s entire outfit was so beautifully coordinated and had a real understated elegance which she carried extremely well.

"Also, the monochrome look is very much on trend this year."

Ms Dales, who works at the Tetleys Tea plant in Eaglescliffe, had won through to the final after her blue floral print dress and matching hatinator proved to be the judges favourite at Thirsk Racecourse's Ladies Day.

She said she was "absolutely astonished and in a state of shock" after being awarded the title.

Ms Dales said: "When I first arrived I was struck by how amazing all the other ladies looked and thought I had absolutely no chance of winning.

"The majority of my outfit was bought from the high street which just goes to show you don’t need to spend a fortune to dress up and look good for a day at the races."