OTLEY residents will be able to get a look at the Tour de Yorkshire trophy when it comes to town this week.

The trophy, which will be presented to the winner of the Men's Race at Scarborough on Sunday, May 1, will be displayed at venues across town on Friday, April 22.

The visit is in recognition of Otley hosting the start of both Stage Two of the men's cycling event and the Women's Race on Saturday, April 30.

The trophy will be on display at:

*Otley Core, on Orchard Gate, from 10.30am to 11.30am

*Otley Courthouse from 11.30am to 12.30pm

*The Buttercross from 12.30pm to 1.30pm

*Woolpack Music and Art Studio, on Bondgate, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

*And finally Otley Cycle Club's base at Wellcroft House, Crow Lane, from 4pm to 4.30pm.

Otley Town Mayor Councillor Philip Bye (Lib Dem, Prince Henry's) said: "The excitement is building in Otley ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire, so it is great that all our residents will have the opportunity to see the winner’s trophy up close.

"Otley is a cycling town and home to World Champion Lizzie Armitstead, and I am sure our community are looking forward to supporting Lizzie and this fantastic event."

Leeds City Council Leader Councillor Judith Blake (Lab, Middleton Park) said: "This will be a lovely opportunity to see the magnificent trophy close at hand, which will eventually be awarded to the winner after this gruelling, three day event.

"Leeds and Otley have a proud history of producing excellent cycling talent and I’m sure the community will have a fantastic time when the tour comes to town."

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity, added: "Having such a beautiful trophy reflects on Yorkshire itself as well as the race.

"I’m delighted it will be off on its travels and visiting towns and villages along the route before returning to Scarborough on race weekend.”

Designed and made by hand at world leading trophy makers Thomas Fattorini Ltd, the trophy was won by Team Sky’s Lars Petter Nordhaug last year.

A new addition for 2016 is a women’s race trophy, which is also being made by Fattorini’s.