ROSEDALE is “dressing up” for the Tour de Yorkshire and providing visitors and residents with a day to remember.

Bunting, decorated bikes, flower displays and neon lights are all helping to add to the build-up for the big day on Friday.

At Rosedale Primary School, headteacher Nicola Johnson said the recent visit of the Tour de Yorkshire trophy added to the excitement building among the pupils ahead of the race.

“We have started to decorate the area around the school and have found an old bike for us to paint to hang on the railing,” she said. “We have sheep in jerseys bouncing around outside and white, yellow and blue stripes on the plant trough.”

On the day itself, the children will be operating a cycle generator to power Rosedale Illuminations and they also hoped to have a Tour de Yorkshire-themed version of a picture board for photographs.

“All the children, including pupils from Nawton primary, will have the opportunity to decorate a T-shirt on a Tour de Yorkshire theme and we will have other activities available throughout the day,” she said.

Ena Dent, chairman of Rosedale Parish Council, said the village was in a most beautiful valley and favourite to the many visitors who choose to visit Ryedale.

“The Tour de Yorkshire is proving special to Rosedale as the community has been able to come out in force and dress her up for the occasion,” she said.

“The golf course has a fantastic neon display, the farms, hotels, accommodation providers, school, shops and cafés have done themselves proud with flower displays, bunting, painted bikes, including the famous Bainbridge penny farthing, and the legionary Swaledale horn bike.”

Ena said visitors would be able to enjoy traditional Yorkshire refreshments, including Rosedale cake and there would be a “hunt the sheep” trail for the children.

“On the day, we aim to give the children and visitors to Rosedale a day to remember,” she said. “Welcome to Yorkshire brings the world to Yorkshire, they come to Ryedale and then the jewel in the crown to absorb the splendour of our Rosedale Valley. If you are looking for a really special day, you will be welcome. If you are looking to view some of the best landscapes anywhere share ours. Are you coming?”

For more information, go to rosedaleabbey.com