A FLAGSHIP day for Tavistock is in the pipeline, as exciting plans to host the fifth stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race swing into action.

The tour comes to the town on September 14, with the riders leaving Bedford Square for the 176-kilometre ride to Glastonbury the following morning.

The televised event draws thousands and commands huge audiences — last year's South West stages drew the biggest crowds in both 2008 and 2009 — and organisers are currently putting together a programme of events which they hope will have a real 'wow' factor.

All-day entertainment in the town centre is being planned for September 14 — the run-up to the race itself.

Negotiations are on-going but the event should include:

l demonstrations from a top national extreme sports display team

l live music headlined by folk rock musician Seth Lakeman and other groups and compered by BBC broadcaster Steve Wilson

l Armed Forces interactive displays,

l cycling related demonstrations and activities

l a food fair, funfair, street entertainment and refreshments.

A local Tour of Britain group is organising the event, comprising representatives from the town, borough and county councils, Tavistock Chamber of Commerce and organisations such as Tavistock Wheelers, Tavistock Lions and Tavistock Youth Café.

Wayne Southall, the town council's works superintendent, who is chairing the group, last week urged the council to make a financial commitment to the big event.

He said: 'This is a flagship event for Tavistock and could lead to future major community events if a success.

'It is anticipated that both days could bring in about 5,000 visitors a day, and the chamber of commerce and other groups are embracing the potential of the event, for example, late night shopping on the 14th and the pannier market remaining open till late.'

Mr Southall asked councillors to commit £10,000 to provide a budget to work with — though he stressed that this figure could be reduced as grants and subsidies were being sought by the organisations involved.

Cllr Harry Smith said: 'I am fully in support. This is a prestigious event which has a proven track record of bringing financial benefits to the towns that host it.

'I think last year thousands watched the two stages in Devon, it was a huge draw — it's a TV event that can be seen throughout the world.

'It's a really good opportunity to advertise the town, and we have always said that part of our job is to advertise the town and get it in the public eye. This is one true way of doing that.'

Cllr Brian Trew said it would be a complete 'no-brainer' if the council did not come up with financial backing for the event: 'It could have future ongoing benefits for years to come for the town.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell also backed the proposal — and said he looked forward to the mayor and his deputy partaking of the bungee trampoline jumping, one of the activities suggested in the programme of activities.

The recommendation to set aside £10,000 for a Tour of Britain fund was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday.

The Tour, which sees eight days of racing throughout the UK from September 11 to 18, will include 96 of the world's top cyclists from 16 professional international teams.

The fifth stage is due to start at 10am from Bedford Square, when the riders will head out along Duke Street, Brook Street, Parkwood Road and on to the Princetown road.

Full coverage of the race will be televised on ITV, with an hour-long, primetime nightly highlights show on ITV4.