With just 24 days left until the Tour of Britain bike race comes back to Nottinghamshire, Mansfield District Council is launching a competition to encourage residents and businesses to get out the bunting, paint old bikes and make a striking display for the stage seven finish.

Cllr Dave Saunders, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth at Mansfield District Council, said: “Last year local shop owners adorned their windows with bright yellow displays, homeowners hung bunting from trees. It would be great to see Mansfield give a warm welcome to the race again this year.”

To help people get started, posters and window stickers are available to collect from the Civic Centre and Mansfield Museum, and there’s more inspiration on the council’s Tour of Britain hub. Visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/TOB for more information.

To enter the best dressed competition, decorate your home or business, take a picture and upload it to the council’s Facebook page @MyMansfieldUK or Twitter handle @MDC_News and tag in #NottsToB.

Entrants need to send their pictures by midnight on Wednesday, 29 August. The public will vote for their favourite and the winner will be announced on Monda,y 3 September. The prize for best dressed house or business is a pair of VIP tickets for the Tour of Britain stage seven finish in Mansfield. This includes hospitality and a finish line view.

The Tour of Britain team is also looking for stewards and helpers for the Mansfield stage. If you want to be part of the event then sign up as a Tour Maker on the ToB pages of the council’s website.