AN EXCITING host of activities lined up to accompany a major cycling event in Tavistock can now be booked, following the promise of financial backing.

Tavistock will host the fifth stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race on September 15, and plans have been made for entertainment the day before, and on race day, after unanimous backing from Tavistock Town Council, to the tune of £10,000.

A local events committee for the Tour of Britain is organising the event, comprising representatives of the town, borough and county councils, Tavistock Chamber of Commerce and local organisations.

At a recent committee meeting, members agreed on the name Tavy Tour Party for the event.

Committee member Debbie Ashton said: 'On September 14, we have planned an evening of free entertainment on Bedford Square from 4pm to 11pm to celebrate the Tour of Britain coming to town.

'As we now have funding, we are in the process of confirming the booking of several local bands including Seth Lakeman, the Rock 'N' Roll Outlaws, the Needletones, Mad Dog Mcrea and Kitty and the Lost Boys to name but a few.

'We are hoping to have more bands playing on the square on the 15th too.'

The committee is in the process of trying to secure funding from Devon County Council's Area Youth Team and Barclays, and the Chamber of Commerce has pledged £250 and help to obtain advertising.

As well as bands, the committee are in the process of booking Team Extreme, a stunt BMX display, and international trials and stunt bike rider Andrei Burton along with professional BMX biker Lee Musselwhite.

Tavistock Post Office has agreed to allow the use of the car park as a visitors free bike park, Tavistock Police have agreed to supply ten officers, and the Parish Centre has been confirmed as a co-ordination point for lost children.

West Devon Borough Council, although unable to provide funding, has agreed to provide litter clean-ups for after the evening event and after the race.