THE bunting is up and Norton is ready to welcome visitors to the town on Saturday, for a family day to celebrate the Tour de Yorkshire.

More than 40 shops and businesses are getting involved displaying graphics and posters and providing activities from 11am to 3pm, with the race due to come through the town at about 2pm.

Councillor Ray King, mayor of Norton, said: “We want to make the Tour de Yorkshire an event the whole family could enjoy. There is lots going on throughout the day and we want to make it child-friendly and get everyone in town enjoying the day.”

Attractions include music, a street magician, displays, crafts and face painting. There will also be a big screen at the Derwent Arms.

Businesses have been encouraged to decorate their shop windows with a cycle display and there will be a children’s treasure hunt with the first prize a family ticket for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

A racehorse called Eric will provide one of the focal points for the celebrations at Norton library.

Members of the town’s knit and natter group have been making bunting and items to “yarn bomb” the model horse on display.

Other activities at Norton library on the day include refreshments, musical entertainment, a Fairtrade stall, face-painting and a story-telling corner.

Anyone borrowing two or more books in the week before the Tour de Yorkshire from either Norton or Malton library will be entered into a prize draw to win an adult or children’s hamper.

There are also plans to yarn bomb a bike for the event.

Sarah Harrison, library service development assistant, said: “There will be plenty going on to encourage people to come in and enjoy as well as see what the library has to offer.”

Designated parking will be provided in St Nicholas Street car park, Norton and Malton Golf Club, Ryedale Community Leisure Club, St Peter’s Church, Norton College and Tate Smiths.

Coun King, said: “We hope that all of Norton and Malton will be there to cheer on the riders.

“This is such a positive event for Norton that we want to create a real buzz in the town and really encourage local people to come and see this epic event, which we may never see the likes of again.”