HATHERLEIGH is preparing for one of the biggest spectator events in the country, when The Tour of Britain will pass through the town next month.

Now in its third year in the region, the race will take on its familiar format, with 16 teams of six cyclists.

The cyclists will race across the counties of Devon and Somerset on stages six and seven of the international event, and will pass through Hatherleigh on Friday, September 18.

The town will be in full swing with a mini-carnival procession, with a theme of bikes and sport.

The procession will walk the route of The Tour of Britain, before the race starts.

The event will start with the Hatherleigh Tar Barrels, which will not be on fire on this occasion, and expert trials biker Andrei Burton, who will perform stunts and jumps over the barrels as they go down the road.

After the tar barrel and bike display, town crier Ros Chard will follow with Hatherleigh Silver Band close behind and a vintage bike parade.

Taking up the rear will be a float carrying a large crepe-paper decorated bike, some nine to ten feet high.

The theme of the float will be The Biggest Bike from the Smallest Town.

Mayor of Hatherleigh Cllr Malcolm Jacobs said it was an honour to have The Tour of Britain pass through the town.

He said: 'We see it as a fantastic opportunity for the town and we are lucky that a little place like Hatherleigh has been chosen.

'We are hoping to use it as an avenue to increase tourism into the town.

'Everyone has put in every effort to make it as sensational as we can and we are hoping to be very different to any other start that The Tour of Britain will come across.

Pupils and staff from Hatherleigh Primary School will be getting involved with the day's events, to raise money for a new cycle storage rack for the children and an undercover waiting area for parents.

Headteacher Caroline Boother said the children had been discussing ways of commemorating the Tour of Britain cycle race and raising money.

She said: 'As a school we are planning to hold a sponsored exercise bike ride by the children and staff.

'The children will be singing bike-related songs and designing and selling postcards.

'Our parents' association is also planning to sell bacon sandwiches, tea and coffee on the day.'

Mrs Boother said the school was offering local businesses the chance to advertise their business via a banner on the school fence, in exchange for a donation to the school or an item which reflects their business to be included in a tombola.

She added: 'We will be providing a leaflet bearing the names of sponsors which will be handed out on the day.'

The mini-carnival procession will start at around 9.45am from the start gantry of the race.

The race itself will start at 10.15am.

The Tour of Britain will be passing through Okehampton between 10am and 10.30am on Friday, September 18.

The proposed route will see the cyclists coming down Upcott Hill, through Lodge Hill, Market Street and along Fore Street, continuing on through East Street, Barton Road, Crediton Road and then on to Bow and Crediton.

Anyone interested in advertising with Hatherleigh Primary School can phone Heather, during the school holidays, on 0794 745 3934 or at the school on 01837 810248.