LOCAL communities closest to this Sunday's (April 30) Tour de Yorkshire route are gearing up to make this year's passage of the race through the district especially memorable.

Activities being organised will include new, eye-catching works of art designed both to promote the race itself and the area's distinctive scenery.

The race has again attracted particular interest in Silsden which has previously provided a hugely enthusiastic response for this same competition and for the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014.

Members of the town's Grand Tour Group have been out and about hanging up bunting to welcome competitors and spectators.

Group spokesman Duncan Turner said: "The flags have been hung in Elliot Street and Howden Road which will see the race peloton arrive between 1.15pm and 2.30pm on April 30.

"We've also arranged for Yorkshire flags to be sold at Twiggs and Howden Road Newsagents.

"Residents and visitors will be able to make the most of the day by visiting the Silsden Youth and Community Centre, in Elliot Street – next to the fire Station – where the Tour de Yorkshire party is being held from noon.

"There will be live music, a DJ, refreshments and a bar lasting all afternoon."

Tour de Yorkshire celebrations began early in Silsden Town Hall last Saturday (April 22), when 24 people attended a Painting in Watercolours workshop tutored by local artist Shirley Schofield.

They were inspired by the work of six Yorkshire artists, including Ms Schofield, who have used cycling as their theme and whose work was on display at the workshop.

These images can now be seen in the shop window of photographer Jeremy Gill, close to where the cyclists will travel through Silsden across Clogg Bridge.

Ms Schofield said the work produced was of a "very high standard". It will be on display in Silsden Town Hall for all to see when the library re-opens in a few weeks’ time.

Elsewhere in the district, children from the Red Holt housing estate, in Keighley, have been using natural dyes to make bunting to festoon the cyclists' route.

And a strikingly colourful mural created by artist Vic Buta has been installed in the car park of Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth.

Visitors wanting to experience something a little different on race day have been invited to an open day at Keighley Model Railway Club.

The club will be open for spectators to drop in from 10am till 4pm at its base in Knowle Mill, South Street, Keighley.

Refreshments will be available. Admission is £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.