RICHMOND is hanging out the bunting and gearing up for a weekend of celebrations after being chosen as a start point for the Tour de Yorkshire for the first time.

The town will host the beginning of stage three of the race on Saturday, May 5 which will see the cyclists tackle an 181km route to Scarborough, passing through Bedale, Northallerton and Thirsk on the way.

Preparations have been taking place over several months to ensure the riders receive the warmest of welcomes, with a host of community groups, businesses and residents getting involved in the celebrations.

Town mayor Stuart Parsons said the occasion will give residents "a reason to party" as Richmondshire scenes will be beamed to millions worldwide during comprehensive television coverage of the event.

He said: “It seems that everybody is coming onboard. All we have got to hope for is some good weather.”

The main events will take place in the market square over the weekend where a big screen will be erected for visitors to watch the race.

There will also be a stage on the Saturday featuring live music and entertainment provided by Minster radio.

Over in Friary Gardens there will be a host of family-friendly attractions including fairground rides, face-painting and Punch and Judy shows to ensure youngsters are fully-entertained.

And the fun doesn’t end on the Saturday either, with a special Spring Market expected to draw in the crowds on the Sunday.

The market will feature dozens of specialist stalls more usually associated with larger occasions such as Christmas markets.

In addition to the attractions, Richmond will be bedecked with bunting, bicycles and land art to welcome the peloton.

The town council is handing out 100 wooden bicycles to be painted by businesses and groups and is also dishing out 100 larger bicycles for people to decorate and erect around the town.

There will also be Tour de Yorkshire-inspired land art at Richmond Castle and the cricket pitch and knitters from the Methodist Church are busy decorating a spring tree that will be placed at the town hall adorned with scores of handmade decorations.

Meanwhile, St Mary’s Church will host a community art exhibition opening on the evening of Friday, May 4 with the title of Wheels with Wheels.

A ‘mega’ coffee morning will also be taking place in the town hall.

Cllr Parsons said: “We have had plenty of time to get everything in place and there is going to be quite a good, festive atmosphere in Richmond so even if you are not particularly into the cycling, there is still lots and lots going on.

“I think if it was just down to people who were interested in the cycling it might be quite low key, but everybody welcomes an occasion to celebrate their town and it should be a great weekend.

“It gives everybody an occasion to get together and have a bit of a party."

Although this is the first time that Richmond has hosted a Tour de Yorkshire start point, the town was well-placed to celebrate the Tour de France Grand Depart in July 2014 when it passed through nearby Reeth and Leyburn on its way to Middleham.