THE organisers of the Tour de Yorkshire have launched a recruitment drive to find volunteers to help out at this year's race.

They are looking for tour makers to be deployed along the race route to provide a warm welcome to fans.

They also offer a point of contact for people wanting logistical information and ensure the event passes off as smoothly as possible.

The event, which will take place between April 30-May 3 is set to be the most spectacular one yet and Welcome to Yorkshire wants to recruit more than 1,000 tour makers, with nine new roles, including support with medal ceremonies, transport and accreditation.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive James Mason said: “I met some of our Tour Makers at last week’s route presentation and they are such a friendly, energetic and welcoming bunch of people. Over the last five editions of the Tour we’ve built a brilliant team but are always looking to recruit more new faces into the fold – especially with nine new roles on offer this year."

To register, visit letouryorkshire.com.

“Tour Makers play an absolutely vital role in helping the Tour run as smoothly as it does. We’re grateful to every single one of them for the tremendous work they do and their attitude and enthusiasm is second to none.

“It’s quick and easy to register your interest, and by becoming a Tour Maker you’ll learn some new skills, meet new people, and become part of this keen and close-knit community.”

Sky Bet will once again be sponsoring the Tour Makers and providing them with kit.

The company's Karen Tyrrell said: “Our support, now in its third year, saw over a thousand sets of all-weather hi-vis kit provided to last year’s Tour Makers.

"We’re looking forward to once again supporting a group of volunteers who play a pivotal role in helping millions of spectators enjoy one of the best events in the Yorkshire sporting calendar.”