AN MP whose constituency will feature in the opening stage of next year’s Tour de France will hold a series of meetings to discuss how best to showcase the area.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for 2014 Yorkshire and UK Tour de France, will host the first leg of his Tour de France On Your Doorstep Tour next Wednesday (March 27).

He is urging residents and businesses interested in discussing the opportunities available to attend open meetings from 11am to 11.45am in Masham Town Hall and from 1.15pm to 2pm at Ripon Community House.

Mr Smith will discuss ideas to promote the area outside North Stainley Village Hall at 12.30pm and outside The George, at Wormald Green, at 2.45pm.

He said: “The event has a worldwide television audience of billions of people in 188 countries, so this opportunity to promote where we live, work and do business is too good to miss.

“It is vital ensure sure we explore every opportunity for promoting and showcasing our area.”