A CYCLING spectacular is gearing up to outstrip its predecessor and bring millions into the region’s economy.

When the Tour of Britain swept through Tynedale in 2015, it brought a multi-million pound financial boost in its wake.

And as plans are finalised for the OVO Energy Tour of Britain 2017 in September, hopes are high that the event will be even more successful.

The longest stage of the elite cycling race, stage two will take place entirely in Northumberland; a 211km route starting at Kielder and ending in Blyth.

Around 120 cyclists will take to the start line at Kielder at 10am on Monday, September 4.

But before that eagerly anticipated event, a two-day cycling festival will be held at Leaplish in Kielder.

The event will feature adult and child cycling races and cycling activies.

The event, organised by Northumbrian Water and the Forestry Commission, will also broadcast the first two days of the Tour of Britain race on a big screen.

Nigel Walsh, culture, heritage and libraries services manager at Northumberland County Council, told Tuesday’s meeting of Tynedale Local Area Council: “It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the county. It’s a major event and a really great opportunity for people to see world-class riders and teams perform on their doorstep.

“Events can make a difference in terms of bringing communities together and there is also an economic benefit.

“The Visit Northumberland website saw a 27 per cent increase during September 2015.

“Twenty one per cent of people we spoke to came from out of the region.

“And for every pound we put in we got four back.”

The meeting heard that this year’s race would be televised live, with 56 hours of coverage broadcast to over 150 countries.