COMMUNITIES across the district are being urged to get creative to celebrate the Tour de Yorkshire.

And cash aid is being made available to help people take part in the festivities.

Both the Worth Valley and South Craven feature in the fourth stage of the internationally-acclaimed cycle race, on May 6.

The stage will cover 189.5 kilometres from Halifax to Leeds and includes Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth and the Cote de Goose Eye, plus Sutton, Glusburn and Skipton.

Now Bradford Council is offering grants to support people looking to organise events and activities along the route.

The money could help with entries in two competitions being staged by Tour organiser, Welcome to Yorkshire – a land art contest and a search for the best-dressed village or town.

Last year, the district had two pieces reach the final in the land art challenge. And one, by Worth Valley Young Farmers Club and pupils from Haworth Primary School, won the public vote.

The group received grant funding from the council to help with its creation, entitled Branwell on a Bike.

The work, made from recycled materials, celebrated the 200th birthday of Branwell Bronte.

“The pieces of land art created for the Tour de Yorkshire last year were amazing,” said Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture.

“We have so many creative people in our district that we want to encourage them to once again use that creativity and take part in these competitions.

“I’m sure that people from across Bradford district will make the most of the race coming here by applying for the grants and taking part in both the competitions.

“So if you have an idea and want to take part, please contact us and we will try to help you with it.”

Anyone interested in applying for a grant should e-mail rashmi.sudhir@bradford.gov.uk or karen.lewis@bradford.gov.uk, or call 01274 432653 or 432416.

The closing date is Friday, April 6.

More details about the competitions can be found at letour.yorkshire.com/information.

A record 40 teams, men’s and women’s, are competing in this year’s Tour.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The demand from teams looking to compete in the Tour de Yorkshire is always high and that reflects the esteem in which our race is regarded.

“Having the best teams in the business coming to Yorkshire is a massive coup.

“Riders want to compete at the Tour de Yorkshire as they know they will be guaranteed massive crowds, exciting racing and an electric atmosphere.”