A MARKET town is busy preparing for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Richmond Business and Tourism Association (RBTA) met to hear how businesses and the community can work together ahead of next year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

Excitement is brewing in Richmond after it was announced as a host venue for the prestigious cycling event.

Marcia McLuckie, RBTA chair, said: “To host the Tour de Yorkshire is an amazing opportunity for us to encourage more visitors and bring more income into the town.

“We have a great selection of local businesses which appeal to local people, day visitors and tourists.”

The association is considering how the town will look from the air, and aims to work with schools as well as businesses.

Councillor Clive World, who spoke at the event, said: “Let’s not forget we have great foundations in place that we are able to build on.

“We need to find a way of informing tourists for the race and beyond of where the best businesses are in the town so they can recommend them.”

The association is also focusing on Yorkshire in Bloom 2018 which will go hand in hand with the preparation for the bike race.

Mrs McLuckie added: “It will require us to take responsibility for what our town looks like and will address important issues such as cleaning and recycling.”

For more information visit www.originalrichmond.co.uk