YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire to their town by creating a sea of flags.

Richmondshire District Council has launched a competition with local schools to design a special flag for the May 5 event.

Every pupil can take part but each school will be asked to provide a finalist from each year group – with an overall winner then picked by the Tour's official artist, Richmond-based Lucy Pittaway.

The winner will take part in the official race start in the town and receive a replica of the official TDY flag.

All the designs will be featured in a special march by the children through Richmond before the race.

“The flags can be in any colour or any design – they can feature the tour colours of blue and yellow, be in the shape of a bike or feature Richmond,” said Lucy Pittaway.

Schools are asked to contact Abi.player@richmondshire.gov.uk for more details.

All entries must be submitted by March 28 with the winner announced after Easter.