BUSINESSES across Hambleton and Richmondshire are set to roll out the colours of the rainbow to celebrate the visit of the UCI Road World Championships on September 25.

The event will bring the top cyclists from across the globe to Northallerton for the start of the men’s elite time trials.

Shops and businesses are being encouraged to enter a best dressed competition – and as a flavour of what is possible took part in a workshop with window dresser, Helen Goodwin, this week.

The co-founder of ‘Made You Look’ – who has dressed windows from London to York - gave them tips on how to make the best use of window displays and dressing the inside of shops

Companies are also being encouraged to adopt one of the visiting nations and raise flags across the town centre.

The competition will be judged in early September by Chairman of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Kevin Hardisty; and Town Mayor, Councillor John Forrest.

Hambleton District Council is working with members of the towns BID and Northallerton Town Council, to bring the race to the town.

Cllr Hardisty said: “Yorkshire has become home to cycling and we are looking forward to bringing people to Hambleton to celebrate this famous race.

“We want the town to be remembered and for people to come back again in the future. I am looking forward to seeing how the businesses get involved.”