A SEARCH is on for volunteers to help at this year's Tour de Yorkshire.

Organisers of the international cycle race are looking for Tour Makers, to be deployed along the route.

They provide a welcome to the millions of people who turn up to watch the event.

And they act as a contact point for anyone wanting logistical information.

With the men's race this year being expanded from three to four stages, and the women's event from one to two days, a record 1,800 Tour Makers are needed.

Each volunteer will receive an official uniform and training sessions are staged where they will be given more information about their specific roles and an introduction to crowd management.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "This year's Tour de Yorkshire is going to be the biggest and best yet and we're looking forward to welcoming Tour Makers onto our team.

"They play an absolutely vital role in helping the event run as smoothly as it does.

"We're grateful to every single one of them for the tremendous work they do. Their attitude and enthusiasm is second to none.

"It's quick and easy to register interest in becoming a Tour Maker and the training days provide an ideal opportunity to learn some new skills and find out everything you need to know."

For further details and to register, visit letouryorkshire.com/tourmakers. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 23.

Worth Valley and South Craven will feature in the fourth stage of the Tour de Yorkshire, on May 6.

The 'Yorkshire Terrier' stage – covering 189.5 kilometres from Halifax to Leeds – includes Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth and the Cote de Goose Eye, plus Sutton, Glusburn and Skipton.

South Craven MP Julian Smith has met-up with Sir Gary to discuss the Tour and other activities in the region.

Mr Smith said: "I was delighted to be able to meet Gary – he has played, and continues to play, a vital role in ensuring our region gets the recognition it deserves.

"I very much look forward to welcoming the Tour de Yorkshire to the area again this spring."

People interested in getting involved in the event, other than as a Tour Maker, are urged to go along to one of a series of roadshows currently being held across the county.

The roadshows outline how the public can make the most of the race. Go to letouryorkshire.com/information/roadshows for further information.

Cyclists wishing to tackle parts of the route themselves are invited to take part in the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride.

Three routes are on offer, suitable for all abilities and each culminating at the same finish line as the pros.

More details from letouryorkshire.com/maserati-tour-de-yorkshire-ride.

And Welcome to Yorkshire is holding its Y18 event, at the Alhambra in Bradford, on March 21. Register at industry.yorkshire.com/marketing/y18.