Otley Parish Church is planning to play its part in this summer’s Tour de France celebrations.

All Saints Parish Church is on the route for the Leeds to Harrogate stage of the race’s Grand Depart on Saturday, July 5.

Bells at the church will be pealing to welcome Le Tour’s publicity caravan, which is due in town just before 10.15am, two hours before the first riders.

Refreshments will also be served in the Parish Room from early morning to 5pm on race day and Sunday, July 6, and All Saints is hoping to hold a barbecue and games in the churchyard on the Saturday afternoon.

A big screen, complementing the one that will be in the Market Place over the weekend, will also be in church on both days to let cycling fans follow the Tour’s progress.

There will also be a prayer corner in church where visitors can leave prayer requests, and plans are in place for a specially themed, celebratory Sunday service during the Tour weekend.

All Saints will be specially decorated for the occasion, too, with knitted bunting and some large, colourful banners.

Anyone interested in helping over the weekend or joining the church’s Tour de France activities group can send an e-mail to Tony Keddie at tbmk@metronet.co.uk.