EXCITEMENT is building in the Vale as people prepare to welcome the Tour of Britain later this year.

Cycle club leader Steve Bullen, of the Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group, has been at the centre of the planning for the September 10 when the riders pass through the area.

On the day there will be a H-BUG pre-school slalom in Evesham Market Square before the race arrives.

There will be a tandem experience for the visually impaired and an organised ride for school children along the High Street, which will see them passing under the sprint finish arch, before being presented with H-BUG designed certificates.

Wychavon District Council are also seeking to get children involved in the excitement by inviting 13-year-olds and under to design the banners that will be unveiled when the tour passes through.

There will be three large banner, one each for Broadway, Evesham and Pershore, and the winning design will appear on all three, as well as on flags that will be handed out to spectators.

Fern Canning, assistant community development officer at Wychavon District Council, said: "We are looking for designs that are creative and colourful. Make sure when designing your banner you think about cycling and what Wychavon and your town is best known for.

"The most eye-catching design will be printed on the banners and the flags that will be unveiled and waved when the tour passes through."

To download and print off a design template and to read the full competition details visit wychavon.gov.uk/tour-competition.

Entries must be submitted by August 8 and only one entry per person will be accepted.

Post designs to Fern Canning, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT or email fern.canning@wychavon.gov.uk.