TOUR de Yorkshire bosses have launched a search for an official charity partner.

Organisations are being invited to apply for the prestigious post, being awarded for next year’s race.

The annual charity link-up has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes since the cycle race was first held in 2015.

Inaugural benefactor was The Children’s Hospital Charity, followed in 2016 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and then, last year, the Alzheimer’s Society.

The beneficiary this year was the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which needs to raise £12,000 a day to keep both its helicopters airborne.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “One of the best things about organising the Tour de Yorkshire is the fact it enables us to raise money for some very worthy causes.

“The people of Yorkshire are known for their kindness and generosity and the money donated really makes a difference.

“We are looking for an innovative and creative charity that will make the most of the opportunity – an organisation that shares our drive and ambition – and we are keen to welcome them on board.”

Organisations have until 5pm next Friday to apply.

More details can be found at letouryorkshire.com/charity.

The Tour de Yorkshire was launched as a legacy of the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014, which drew thousands of spectators to the streets of the district when it passed through.

The Yorkshire event has continued to grow in size and stature since it was founded.

This year’s extravaganza – in May – saw the men’s race expand from three to four stages, and the Asda women’s event double in size to two days.

Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet triumphed in the men’s race, while American star Megan Guarnier took the women’s title.

The route took in Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth, Laycock, Goose Eye, Sutton and Cross Hills.

People in the Worth Valley welcomed the cyclists with artwork, bunting, bikes and Hollywood-style letters.

Independent research estimated that this year’s event boosted the county’s economy by £98 million.

A record 2.6 million spectators lined the route over the four days and overall spend was up 54 per cent on last year, to £97,973,806.

Spending on accommodation rose by 49 per cent.

The race was televised in an unprecedented 190 countries and watched by around 12.5 million viewers globally, a 29 per cent increase on 2017.

Next year’s race is set to attract its strongest-ever field, as the sport’s star riders look to visit the county in preparation for the 2019 UCI Road World Championships which take place in September.