A RANGE of exciting entries have already been received in the Worcester News and Sanctuary Groups' Touch the Tour Competition.

We want local school children aged eight to 12 to design a flag illustrating what Worcester means to them as part of the competition.

The entrant with the most creative and interesting design will get the chance to wave off the UK's biggest professional cycle race with their flag when it kicks off in Worcester on Wednesday, September 10.

The winner will also get to keep the printed flag and will receive a surprise prize.

So far a number of colourful and imaginative designs have been received, but there is still time to submit your entries.

Remaining entries must be submitted by Friday, July 25, to ensure arrangements are in place to wave cyclists off in September when they leave from The Hive at 10.30am.

They will then travel through the city centre via The Butts and then along City Walls Road, Deansway, and New Road before heading up through St John's and Rushwick to Leigh Sinton.

Cyclists will pass through Malvern Link, Barnards Green, Welland and Upton then on to Pershore, Evesham and Broadway before passing into Gloucestershire and finishing in Bristol.

Ian McDermott, Sanctuary’s chief operating officer, said: “We are very lucky the tour is coming to our home city and it is a fantastic chance for the young people of Worcester to embrace such a prestigious event. We look forward to seeing what designs youngsters come up with and seeing the winner on the day.”

This year the Worcestershire leg of the tour is hosted by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership with support from Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council.

As one of Worcester’s largest employers, Sanctuary Group is sponsoring the Tour through a Worcester schools engagement initiative and will be hosting cycling safety activities at local schools in the build up to the event.

The competition is open to children aged eight to 12 years old and entries must be submitted by Friday, July 25. Entries can be posted to Roni Skye, Berrows House, Hylton Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR2 5JX.

Entries can also be emailed to roni.skye@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

To find out more about the tour visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk and for terms and conditions visit www.newsquest.co.uk/terms.