With the Tour of Britain set to return to Nottinghamshire next month, ideas are being sought for how to make Newark and Sherwood district stand out.

The prestigious race returns to Nottinghamshire on Thursday 8 September, with its fifth stage starting in West Bridgford and passing through numerous towns and villages in the district, including Lowdham, Gunthorpe, Blidworth, Rainworth, Farnsfield, Southwell, Hockerton, Caunton, Norwell, Ossington, Moorhouse, Budby, Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe and Clipstone before reaching its finish in Mansfield.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is asking residents living near these communities to come forward with their ideas for decorations, from land art to bunting-making, knitted cyclists or bikes and more.

Coun Tim Wendels, portfolio holder for Homes and Health at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We’ve been lucky enough to host this fantastic event two times before and I’ve been so proud of our residents for using their creativity and ingenuity to show how fantastic our district is.

“We’ve been wowed by streets lined by painted and decorated bikes, spectacular scarecrows and even a giant cycle formed by sheep! I’m sure that viewers of the race will once again be amazed by scenes in Newark and Sherwood and this time our Arts Development team are on hand to help support you in bringing your ideas to life.”

If you have an idea for how to celebrate the Tour of Britain’s return, get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Some bike painting sessions have already been organised by Edwinstowe in Bloom with the next taking place at the Church Rooms Car Park on Mansfield Road from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday 30 August. Check their Facebook page for details.

For more information about the Tour of Britain, including approximate timings so you can stay aware of when rolling road closures will be in your area, visit <a href=”https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/tourofbritain”>www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/tourofbritain</a>.