A MAJOR new cycling road race will take place in a North-East town centre next year.

Durham County Council is working with Guisborough-based company Velo 29 to host the event in Bishop Auckland on August 8, 2014.

It is hoped the event will attract thousands of visitors to the town and give a much-needed boost to the economy.

Organisers hope it will attract elite cyclists and become as popular as the tour series city centre race, which has taken place in Durham City over the past few years.

Speaking at a meeting of Bishop Auckland Town Council on Tuesday, July 30, John Thurlbeck, of Durham County Council, said details were still being finalised but in addition to the race, other activities and entertainment are being planned.

He asked the town council to consider contributing financially to the event, a proposal which will be discussed at the next meeting of the finance committee.

Mayor Councillor David Fleming said: “I think this can only be a positive for the town. It would certainly boost the economy.”

Councillor Sam Zair added: “This has to be fantastic news for Bishop Auckland. I whole-heartedly support this.”