THE Great Tour, a marathon cycle event around Britain’s coastline, will be coming through Parkgate and Neston on Sunday (August 15).

This will be one of the 64 stages of a 6500km route which started on July 3 in Seaton, Devon and has followed the coastline of Britain anti-clockwise with the aim of finishing in Seaton on September 4.

The riders are averaging 103km each day taking in every seaside port, village, town, cove and bay along every kilometre of coastline accessible by bicycle.

The intrepid group of cyclists are made up of a wide variety of guests and charity riders creating a colourful and inspirational sporting celebration of the British coastline.

They hope to arrive in Parkgate at approximately 3.45pm on Sunday, cycling along The Parade before carrying on to Neston Cricket Club for a welcome party including a performance by the Parade Jazz Band.

The riders will be greeted by Cllr David Clark, Mayor of Neston, staying overnight at the club before departing at 9am on Monday for Conwy.

Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Brenda Dowding from Neston and Parkgate ward said: “On behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council we would like to congratulate the riders on this marathon undertaking, as they enter the final stages of the event.

“Please give them your support and help to show that not only is Parkgate one of the most attractive places on their tour, but it also offers the friendliest of welcomes and the most enthusiastic support.”

Neston Town Councillor Patrick Hughes said: “This is a fantastic event highlighting the scenic beauty of Parkgate and Neston plus the benefits of cycling.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the group of riders on Sunday and encourage local residents to come along and show their support.”

The tour is being promoted as a celebration of the British coastline as well as a charity ride supporting The Prostrate Cancer Charity and Caravan – The National Grocers Benevolent Fund.

Local residents are encouraged to support the cyclists as they pass through each coastal town and join the welcome party at Neston Cricket Club.

Any members of the public wishing to cycle the last few kilometres of the Lytham St Anne to Neston stage with the riders can join the cyclists at 3.30pm at the junction of The Runnel and the A540 in Parkgate.

More information is available on The Great Tour website www.thegreattour.org. Visit www.cyclechester.com for information on other cycle events happening in the area.