HUNDREDS of residents and traders in a town which will stage a highlight of the Tour de Yorkshire's final leg are gearing up to herald the race.

The clock tower side of Thirsk's historic market square is set to be closed to traffic on May 1, to enable cycling fans to watch riders tackle the 198km stage on a big screen.

Organisers of the event expect high visitor numbers before, during and after the tour has passed through.

Crowds are expected to gather on The Holmes park as the riders, who are expected to reach the town from Thornton le Street shortly after 12.50pm, contest a sprint on the B1448 Norby Front Street, before passing The World of James Herriot on Kirkgate into the town centre.

Thirsk councillor David Duffey said groups ranging from the Rotary Club and Tourist Information Centre to schools had become involved in celebrating the town's first encounter with an international cycling event.

He said: "The idea is to get as many people into Thirsk as possible with a number of events, and to create a cafe-like atmosphere with chairs and tables beside a big screen. It is an opportunity not to be missed."

Guy Baragwanath, chairman of Thirsk and District Business Association added: "The business community in Thirsk is very excited about the Tour de Yorkshire coming through our town."

Schools in the town, Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club and Hillside Scouts are producing giant land artworks which will be filmed up by helicopter crews following the race and screened around the world, and it is planned to decorate the town with artworks depicting local heritage.

Event organisers said the town centre would also be decorated with bunting, while art and textiles exhibitions would be held in the town hall and St Mary's Church and charity Rural Arts will run a children's flag-making workshop.

Live music will be provided by the town's Royal British Legion band and at Little 3 pub, which will host a family-oriented activities, and The Frankland Arms, which will hold a barbecue.

After the race's conclusion, the Ritz Cinema will screen Battle Mountain, a film recounting the story of cyclist Graeme Obree, at 7pm.

Anyone wishing to donate white sheets for the Scouts' artwork to be displayed on Sutton Bank can call 01845-522401.