TEN thousand staff and savers tried to beat the bookies as Britannia Building Society enjoyed its annual day at the races.

For the ninth year running, the Leek-based company invited all its staff and account holders to apply for a free ticket for the Summer National at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

And on Sunday, the venue's centre course was filled by part-time punters basking in the sunshine to study form or eat a picnic.

But not necessarily all those staff who were dipping into their savings for a bet had spent hours studying what stables would suit the good-to-firm East Staffordshire circuit.

"I'm not a professional gambler by any stretch of the imagination," explained Oliver Ferns, aged 24, of Leek, who works in the mortgage and insurance services department.

"I didn't arrive with any tips and my bets are more about funny names than form. Still, it's exciting to have a little bit of a flutter and if I win anything it's a bonus."

And, also in the mortgages and insurance team, Lesley Williams, aged 33, of Sneyd Green, makes her selections based on whether she can imagine the horse's name being announced as a winner.

She said: "Last year I had to stand with a blanket over my head to protect me from the pouring rain so I think everyone is delighted the sun came out.

"I arrived with a strict budget and have a limit of £5 to spend each race. I'm not expecting much so I should imagine any winnings will get spent before we leave the racecourse."

Andrew Hulse, of Leek, who works in the IT department, reckoned, with a bit of caution, anyone could have a good time at the racetrack.

The 28-year-old said: "It's always a cracking day, as long I don't put throw too much money at the bookies – I don't expect to get a lot back."

For those not old enough to lay a wager on the most important National Hunt race of the summer, the racecourse laid on a fun fair with bouncy castles and other entertainment.

But for the gathered masses – ranging from Star Wars stormtroopers to former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard – the main attraction remained the English Summer National.

Since its inception in 2000, the race – which is now run over three and a half miles – has become a sought-after prizes for owners and trainers.

This year, the Emma Lavelle-trained 7-1 chance Fire and Rain made all the running to allow him to trot comfortably into the winners' enclosure.

Britannia Chief Executive Neville Richardson was thrilled the National had "captured the imagination" of the jump-racing industry.

He added: "It is a marvellous event for us to sponsor and gives us the chance to say thank you to all our loyal members in and around Staffordshire."