LOCAL communities across Middlesbrough are painting the town blue and yellow as excitement grows ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The town plays host to the cream of world cycling on Sunday, May 1 when the 2016 Tour sets off on its final leg to Scarborough.

As the riders roll through town with the hardest and hilliest parts of the stage ahead of them, they’re sure to be entertained by a feast of music and entertainment as the town welcomes a worldwide television audience.

And when they swing onto Marton Road, they can look forward to a carnival atmosphere thanks to the four local Community Councils – Beechwood, Easterside, Park and Grove Hill.

Over recent weeks community leaders and volunteers have been hard at work painting bikes, making flags for children to wave along the route and creating replica Captain Cook hats for them to wear.

Cllr Teresa Higgins, ward member for Longlands and Beechwood and co-ordinator of the local initiative, said: “The Tour de Yorkshire is a fabulous event, and we’re determined to show them a true Middlesbrough welcome.

“It’s our chance to show the people of Middlesbrough and beyond that we are a great town with fantastic people.”

For full details visit letour.yorkshire.com