Volunteers wanting to act as ‘tourmakers’ when the world’s greatest cycling event comes to town have just a week left to submit applications.

About 20,000 people – mostly from Yorkshire – have already put their names forward, but more are needed.

The tourmakers’ role will include lining the route, welcoming visitors and providing general support when the Tour de France Grand Depart comes through the region next summer.

Gary Verity – chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, which led the winning bid to bring the Grand Depart to the county – said: “The time is now to step forward for those who want to be part of one of the biggest sporting events in living memory in Yorkshire and our country.”

Visit letouryorkshire.com/volunteer before the New Year’s Eve deadline.