BRAMHOPE is planning to go ‘all-out’ to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire.

This year will be the first time that the big annual cycling race has passed through the village.

Local fans can cheer on the riders on two of the Tour’s four days - on Friday, May 3 and on Sunday, May 5.

On May 3 the Women’s Race - Stage 1 - is set to arrive via Kings Road in the morning and travel through Bramhope on the A660, while the second stage of the Men’s Race will follow the same route in the afternoon.

The final, fourth stage, of the Men’s Race meanwhile will pass along Otley Old Road on May 5 as the riders head to the finish in Leeds.

All kinds of attractions are being arranged in Bramhope to celebrate the occasion, including:

*A display of bunting, designed by Bramhope WI, along the route along with special bicycle-themed floral displays created by Bramhope in Bloom

*A beer tent and a mocktails bar - run by the Methodist Church - at St Giles Church which is also hosting a Cyclathon, quiz, Bling Your Bike competition and static bikes racing contest in aid of St Martin’s House Children’s Hospice

*A huge piece of Tour-inspired field art by West Park Rugby Club, plus a variety of race-related activities at Bramhope Primary School.

Bramhope and Carlton Tour de Yorkshire Organising Committee has sent a leaflet out detailing all the arrangements - and urging residents to get involved.

It says: “We want the village to make the most of this visit by a premier sporting event that is broadcast round the world.

“Local businesses, churches, clubs and societies will turn Friday into a day long party.

“And on the Sunday businesses on Otley Old Road will be decorated and providing refreshments for spectators and Sportive participants.”

Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council Chair Councillor Simon Cooper, writing in the Spring 2019 edition of the Village Newsletter, said: “Village businesses and organisations have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into making this (Friday) a day of celebration and fun.

“We hope our efforts to decorate the village will be shown worldwide as the race is beamed to 190 countries.”