Pool-in-Wharfedale’s younger citizens will have a final chance to star in an artistic Tour de France project next week.

Banners over Pool will see 40 individually stylised signs, each featuring a photo of a local child on a colourfully sketched bicycle, displayed along the Tour’s route through the village in July.

Led by professional artists Karen and Tony van de Bospoort and Pool Parish Councillor Richard Parker, the initiative will also see each of the 2.2 metre high banners displaying a different message.

Workshops to take photographs of primary school age children and allow them to create sketches have been taking place this week, and will conclude with a 1pm to 3pm session in the Village Hall on Monday.

Coun Parker hopes as many local young people as possible will turn up to contribute.

He said: “All children, and accompanying adults, who live in Pool are invited to join in with this exciting project.

“Let’s show the world how proud we all are that this world famous event is passing through our village!

“A child and their artwork will be selected to feature on each of 40 different banners fixed to lampposts along Arthington Lane, Main Street and Pool Road.”

Local politicians who have supported the £10,000 project are anticipating some eye-catching results.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: “I am very much looking forward to what the children in Pool are able to produce for the banners.

“It’s a very exciting project to be involved with. I hope the whole village gets behind this as it will give the children a lifelong memory of the day the Tour de France came.”

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) added: “After helping to finally secure funding for the project, I’m delighted that the exciting part of designing the banners is at last taking place.

“They will no doubt look fantastic and show Pool at its finest, giving a warm welcome to the cyclists and visitors who will flock to Pool for the event.”

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Coun Parker to reserve a place by sending an e-mail to parkerinpool@ talktalk.net or calling 07764 684023.

Children should wear casual clothing, trainers and a bicycle helmet and avoid wearing anything green.