AN artist has set up a series of art exhibitions to coincide with the return of the UCI Road World Championships next week.

Bill Oakey of South Vale, Northallerton, has put together two exhibitions of his take on one of the county's biggest cycling events.

The 2019 UCI Road World Championships, which is returning to the UK for the first time since 1982, will meander through Richmond, Ripon, Harrogate and Northallerton between September 22 and September 29.

Hundreds of thousands people are expected to line North Yorkshire's roads for what organisers have claimed will be the "most inclusive, innovative and inspiring" Championships yet.

But to coincide with the sheer number of visitors, Mr Oakey has set up a "UCI" inspired exhibition at Northallerton's Forum and Northallerton's Town Hall buildings.

He said: "So far the exhibitions are going really well.

"The Business Improvement District (BID) who are organising, are doing a brilliant job – it's great as everyone has got behind it.

"Although I paint anything and everything, I have been concentrating on cycling recently, having held my exhibitions at the same time as the Tour de France and each edition of the Tour de Yorkshire."

Mr Oakey's exhibition at the Forum will run until October 3, with the Town Hall building's exhibition until October 16.

For more information and times visit www.billoakey.com