CHURCHES across the Diocese of York will be offering hospitality to spectators during the Tour de Yorkshire.

Tomorrow’s stage one of the race will see Bridlington Priory decorated with blue and yellow bunting and a blue bike strapped to the railings.

St Peter and St Paul, in Pickering, will be offering refreshments, and the church’s bells will ring as the cyclists make their way through the town.

St John the Baptist in East Ayton is in a prime location for spectators, and will be decorated with bunting and cycles, and the church will be offering refreshments while St Mary and St Lawrence, of Rosedale Abbey, will offer drinks and cakes.

In Egton, St Hilda’s Church will be serving refreshments from the former village shop.

Stage two of the Tour begins the following day at Selby Abbey, which is hosting a decorated bicycle competition for children. Youngsters can download an entry form from www.selbyabbey.org.uk and take their decorated bikes to the Abbey tomorrow from 2.30pm to 7pm.

Stage two of the Tour will end in York, and Holy Trinity Heworth will be offering refreshments. At St Chad’s in York, the church will be decorated with flags and bunting, refreshments will be served, and members of the church’s Knit and Natter Group will be yarn-bombing a Yorkshire tree.