Cycling enthusiasts will get the chance to be part of the action when the 2017 OVO Tour of Britain comes to Cheltenham for the first time on Saturday, 9 September.

Cheltenham Borough Council is looking for keen volunteers who will have the opportunity to be metres away from some of the world's most famous sportsmen.

They will power past the racecourse, through the town centre and across the Stage 7 finish line at the Imperial Gardens, completing a gruelling 115-mile ride from Hemel Hempstead.

Volunteers are required to help in a variety of roles such as route marshals, flag marshals, wayfinders, crossing marshals and supervisors. These roles would involve helping around the route and also the demonstration area, the street fair on the Promenade and the Kid's Zone at Pittville Park for the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling . 

Tracey Crews, director responsible for the cycling festival at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "We are thrilled to be part of the UK's largest annual 'free to spectate' sporting event.

"Providing world class riders and excited spectators with the most enjoyable, safe experience possible takes a dedicated team of passionate individuals and we're looking for friendly people to volunteer throughout the day, from the start to the finish, to help make this happen.

"Volunteering not only makes for a fun filled day but is also very rewarding, with roles ranging from looking after the general public, organising activities and keeping everyone happy.

"This year we're even offering some extra special incentives so there has never been a better time to get involved in the UK's biggest cycling race."

Volunteers will be fully equipped with the skills they need to marshal the route and assist the spectators. Volunteers must be 18-years-old or over and will attend a two hour training and briefing session. All volunteers will receive a certificate for taking part.

For more information and to sign up and volunteer, visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk/about/volunteer / or locally at cheltenhamcyclingfestival.org.uk/get-involved/volunteers/ 

To add to the festival feel on the day, the council is creating a bike trail around the town. Bikes of all shapes and sizes will be decorated or designed by artists and students, and placed around the borough.