As an organisation that generates £58 million a year and employs 1,350 full time staff, York Racecourse reckons that after nearly 300 years, it is deeply rooted in the local community.

But it works hard to cement those roots and is hoping for recognition in the Business and Community Link category of The Press Business Awards.

“Over the years our community participation has grown through formal events, personal relationships, charity support, in addition to professional relationships which all make us part of the local community,” said Amy Swales, marketing and sponsorship manager.

The racecourse – which has a dedicated community officer - stages events like The Press Family Sunday, with racing and fun for all the family and free admission for under-16s.

It hosts visits from local schools and opens up its entire premises for training days by emergency services.

It provides an area of its car park for use as an open sports space by a nearby school that has no playing fields and it opens up its service road for the annual Race for Life.

Jenny Murgatroyd, of Cancer Research UK, wrote to thank the course: “Thanks again for your support and use of car parks, I really appreciate it. We had a great turn out of over 3,200 ladies and hopefully we’ll raise over £200,000.”

The service road was built in 2008 to improve the safety of chase vehicles during racing but has also proved an integral facility for the community. It is estimated that 3,000 people use it each week for activities including dog-walking, cycling, jogging, children learning to ride and used by a running club every weekend.

The racecourse regularly hosts blood-transfusion sessions and even lends out its furniture to local schools for summer and Christmas fairs and to St Leonard’s Hospice for its special events.

“As a key part of our community plan, we hold Macmillan Charity Raceday during the season. It is the biggest charity raceday in Britain and Macmillan’s largest single fundraising event," said Amy.

“This year the day raised a record £360,000, most of which is spent in Yorkshire. However we also recognise local charities. Funds are received from the day for several local organisations including York Against Cancer and St Leonard’s Hospice. This is a 43-year commitment that has raised over £5.5million in that time.”

“These events contribute to the local community, providing enjoyment and charitable support. However, we believe our relationships are equally important and we actively encourage our team to be part of the community around them," said Amy Swales.

“As a business that has seen the city grow around it since 1731, we will continue to be a member of our community for many more centuries to come.”