THE musician behind the official song for the Tour de France Grand Depart has roped in hundreds of children to provide backing vocals to the song in a bid to promote this year’s cycle race.

Alistair Griffin who wrote and performed The Road for the Tour de France is also preparing to do a special gig after the Tour de Yorkshire has passed through the Yorkshire Coast on May 1.

But Mr Griffin asked about 400 children from schools from his native Esk Valley area to re-record the track with him today (Friday, April 24) ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Pupils from nine schools congregated at Whitby East Community Primary School, including youngsters from Mr Griffin’s native Castleton, as well as from Glaisdale, Ruswarp, and Egton schools.

Liz Stainthorpe, Mr Griffin’s manager, said: “The children were great and really enjoyed it.

“They will be able to download the single just like real pop stars so they were very excited about that.”

The concert at Danby Village Hall on Friday, May 1 will also feature Guisborough’s Abi Alton, a 2013 X Factor finalist.

Tickets are available from www.thelittleboxoffice.com/alistairgriffin and at Danby Health Food Shop, Champions Garage, The Fox and Hounds, Danby, and Danby Moors Centre.