Cockermouth is gearing up for the Tour of Britain, which is expected to bring thousands of people to the area. 

The third stage of the cycling race will start from the town on Tuesday, September 8 and the Cockermouth wants to show off all it has to offer.

The Mayo Monument on Main Street will welcome visitors dressed in a cycling gear and a model bike will be attached next to it.

County councillor Alan Kennon, who had the idea, said: "All will be revealed, we want it to be a surprise."

The streets will be decorated with bunting, new flower baskets and banners.

Sheila Brown, town clerk, said: "We're all working hard to make the event a success. It's a major coup for Cockermouth."

The town is working with the county council, which sponsors the event, local businesses and organisations.

Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade will be running 10 stalls on the town's Main Street to promote the town and its upcoming events.

There will be hot food from Taste Cumbria producers and cycling themed art and books for sale.

Steve Bishop, chairman of the chamber of trade, said: "Events are a great way of reminding people that we are here and what we've got to offer.

"We're trying to get businesses to decorate their shops and windows in yellow and blue, it's a brilliant opportunity for us to be in the spotlight and we must do all we can to do the most of it. "We want people to come back to Cockermouth for Taste Cumbria and the Christmas events."

Andy Walsh, who runs the Coffee Kitchen on Challoner Street, said: "These are events that put the town on the map, I'm seeing things much busier and there's a lot going on in town this year.

"We're actively looking at supporting the tour by making tour-themed food and opening the night before it starts and early in the morning on the day."

Jonty Chippendale, who owns the Toy Shop on Main Street, said: "I've got bikes on the window already. We're really looking forward to it. "

The Tour of Britain passed through Cockermouth in 2013, but it's the first time that it has hosted one of the stages.

After initial talks between the county council and organisers straight after the race two years ago, the town failed to secure the event for 2014, because tour organisers said they wanted to include other parts of the country.

The chamber of trade has created a new Twitter account @CockermouthTown to promote special offers and events.

Anyone interested in leaving discount vouchers or leaflets for the stalls can leave them at Cockermouth Town Hall before noon on Friday September 4.

Local producers who are interested in selling their wares on the stalls can call Marie Whitehead at CN Events, on 01228 612231.