WHAT a refreshing change to see Middlesbrough mentioned in a positive light in the media. I, of course, refer to the start of Stage Three of the Tour de Yorkshire from the town.

We could have been blessed with better weather, but there was no doubt our local area came through in spite of the rain. It is worth congratulating the many groups and individuals that tried to add a little more impact to the Tour's journey through our area and make it a more appealing event for those who came out and supported it.

Well done to all who were involved in bringing the tour to our part of Yorkshire.

I hope we have done enough to ensure a return in the near future of this race, which, although a new event on the cycling calendar, has made its mark.

Of course, the real stars are the people of Yorkshire and beyond who came to enjoy the race and our great countryside.

I look forward to what happens next year.

Chris Gallacher, Redcar.