ORGANISERS of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire cycling event are giving people the chance to help out and become volunteer ‘tour makers’.

Skipton will be a focus of the four day event, that kicks off on Thursday, April 30 when on Friday, May 1 it hosts the start of stage two of the men’s race and stage one of the women’s race.

The 77 mile ‘Three Peaks’ stage will finish in Leyburn, and take in the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

The action will return to Skipton and Craven for the last stage of the men’s race, on Sunday, May 3 for the 110 mile ‘Yorkshire Classic from Halifax to Leeds.

Over the four days, organisers Welcome to Yorkshire says more than 1,000 tour makers are needed to provide a warm welcome to the expected millions of fans who flock to the area.

They also offer a point of contact for people wanting logistical information and ensure the event passes off as smoothly and safely as possible.

Nine new roles are on offer this year, including support with medal ceremonies, transport and accreditation.

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive James Mason said: “I met some of our Tour Makers at the route presentation and they are such a friendly, energetic and welcoming bunch of people. Over the last five editions of the Tour we’ve built a brilliant team but are always looking to recruit more new faces into the fold – especially with nine new roles on offer this year.

“Tour Makers play an absolutely vital role in helping the Tour run as smoothly as it does. We’re grateful to every single one of them for the tremendous work they do and their attitude and enthusiasm is second to none.

“It’s quick and easy to register your interest, and by becoming a Tour Maker you’ll learn some new skills, meet new people, and become part of this keen and close-knit community.”

Sky Bet will once again be sponsoring the Tour Makers and providing them with a whole host of eye-catching kit. To find out more, visit: letour.yorkshire.com/tourmakers