It was all about the hats on day one of Royal Ascot, as race-goers went for an array of colours and styles in keeping with the event's new, stricter dress code.

There were plenty of creative designs on show, with the red white and blue Jubilee theme a common factor in the choice of colours and style.

Stewards, dubbed Ascot's 'fashion police', were on hand to distribute pashminas and fascinators to those who failed to meet the demure guidelines for the Royal Enclosure, which stated: "Strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter-neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than 1 inch (2.5cm) are not permitted.

The fine weather on the meeting's first day was an apt opportunity for milliners to show off their skills, with a Union Jack creation, worn by the model Jackie St Clair (a former girlfriend of pop mogul Simon Cowell) attracting attention. Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden got the thumbs up for her pretty cream dress and matching hat.