Events planned at the finishing line for 120-mile Norfolk and Suffolk leg

Sandringham will have a fete-style atmosphere when cyclists from the Tour of Britain arrive later this year.

Preparations are already under way to ensure that riders receive a warm West Norfolk welcome - including a visit from a bygone era of cycling.

This stage of the race starts in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday, September 17 and competitors will race through 60 miles of Suffolk countryside before crossing the county boundary to race a further 60 miles through many of Norfolk's towns and villages before finishing in Sandringham.

Members of the March Vintage and Veteran Cycle Club will be there to meet them - complete with the 1880 Rudge Penny Farthing ridden by Colin Bedford, of March. Mr Bedford's wife Margaret will also be there with her 1900 Lee Francis.

Roger Partridge, West Norfolk council's sport development officer, said: 'West Norfolk came out in force last year to support the race and we're expecting an even bigger turnout this year as this stage takes place on a Saturday.

'We're planning a whole host of activities in Sandringham, ranging from cycling events through to arts and crafts activities, and we want to create the atmosphere of a village fete. We hope people will come along and make a day of it and cheer the riders on as they cross the finish line.'

Plans already in the pipeline include a village sports roadshow with activities including beat-the-goalie, climbing wall, street dance and parkour displays.

Council cabinet member Elizabeth Nockolds, said: 'We're absolutely delighted that the Tour of Britain is coming to West Norfolk for a second time.'

The race is due to finish at around 3pm on September 17. Activities will start at 11am and end around 5pm.

Bringing the Tour of Britain to Norfolk and Suffolk has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from Southwold-based Adnams and funding from Norfolk County Council, West Norfolk, South Norfolk and Broadland councils.

James Carswell, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Customer Service and Communications, said: 'The benefits of hosting a stage of the Tour of Britain are huge. Those in our tourism industry and related trades are set to gain enormously from the regional, national and international attention that the Tour brings. We are delighted that we have managed to secure the race.'