Two of Keighley’s leading town centre venues are hosting exhibitions about the Tour de France.

Local cycling enthusiast Frank O’Dwyer is the brains behind the displays at Keighley Civic Centre and Central Hall.

He wants to ensure people know the history and background to the event before the tour’s Grand Depart comes to Keighley in July.

The Civic Centre, in the former police station in North Street, has been packed with information about the Tour.

Keighley Town Council, which runs the building, is hosting a colourful display in the former reception area.

The exhibition, assembled by Mr O’Dwyer, was officially launched last Thursday, and was described by Keighley Mayor, Councillor Sally Walker, as “fantastic”.

The display comprises pictures, articles, leaflets and maps, and adds to an information point previously set up by Mr O’Dwyer in Keighley Library.

Mr O’Dwyer said: “What I’d really like is for schools to come and have a look, then go back and put together their own creative work, which I’ll then add onto the display.

“This can be pictures, poems, essays – anything, as it’s creative.

“The race will go through here in 90 seconds, but it’s what we do before and after the event that’s important. It’ll be the biggest thing Keighley has ever seen.”

Central Hall in Alice Street is currently hosting an exhibition of Tour-related artwork by Mr O’Dwyer, along with information about the race. The aim is to replace Mr O’Dwyer’s 24 pictures with other tour-inspired artwork by other local people, particularly schoolchildren. Artists can take their work to the reception at Central Hall on weekdays between 8.30am and 4pm.

Schools interested in contributing to the Civic Centre display can contact Mr O’Dwyer on 01535 600905 for further information.