NOT only is the Aviva Tour of Britain the UK’s biggest professional bicycle race but it also an event that is uniting the community.

The second stage of the race will pass through the Ribble Valley and Pendle on September 7 and promises to boost the local economy to the tune of £2m.

The excitement of the event is bringing together the young and old as well as sport fans and non-sport fans alike.

Evidence Britain’s largest annual free-to-spectate live sporting event is capturing the imagination of the majority is clear to see.

Youngsters at East Lancashire schools are doing their part to make sure the event is memorable.

One primary school in Longridge is erecting a huge, colourful mural to adorn an exterior school wall while another pupil at a Brierfield school has won a competition to design the trophy for the stage two winner.

Other businesses and organisations plan to allow employees to leave their posts to watch the race pass by and decorate their grounds.

So come on East Lancashire – why not get involved? Whether that means trying your hand at cycling, supporting the race or decorating an old bike – you never know, you could inspire someone else to do the same.