A CYCLING-themed family fun day will mark one of the biggest events in the UK sporting calendar this year – the Tour de Yorkshire.

The first stage of the inaugural tour on May 1 will pass right by the Moors Centre at Danby mid-afternoon, with the grounds providing a prime position for viewing.

Visitors will be able to build up to the big moment with a variety of activities including an eight-mile easy ride and a bike skills course for younger riders.

There will also be cycling-themed craft workshops for children, and face painting featuring the North York Moors National Park logo and the white rose of Yorkshire.

A flower display will feature the race colours, blue and yellow, and there will be tasting sessions from SLOEmotion, makers of hedgerow-fruit-based liqueurs, chocolates and chutneys.

A big screen in the grounds will show live coverage of the race from 2.30pm and all of the activities, other than the bike hire, will be free.

A free shuttle bus will run regularly between Danby Station and the Moors Centre to meet trains arriving/departing between 10am and 5pm.

For more information visit northyorkmoors.org.uk