In Pictures: Ladies' Day at Ascot

There is nothing quite like Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot for providing an eye-catching spectacle of style, colour and extravagance.

Hat wearers of all description can be seen - from the formality of the royals to the flamboyance of the famous and the not-so-famous - all enjoying the sun and a flutter on the horses.

BBC News Online captures the event in pictures.

Some hats provide the ultimate in attention-grabbing

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson proved herself an animal lover

All colours and styles are catered for during Ladies Day

But for some only England's colours will do, even at Ascot

The Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips chose an outfit reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady

The Queen and Prince Phillip arrive at the races by carriage

Game show host Bruce Forsyth with his wife Wilnelia arrive in style