SHOPS are being encouraged to decorate their windows to show their support when the UK’s top cycle race returns to Powys in the autumn.

Stage four of the Tour of Britain will finish at the Royal Welsh Showground with some of the world’s top cyclists racing through Rhayader and Newbridge-on-Wye as they head towards the finish at Llanelwedd.

Powys council is holding a shop front design competition to coincide with the Wednesday, September 7 race and is encouraging businesses across the county to enter.

Councillor Avril York, the cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We’re delighted that the Tour of Britain is returning to Powys – the green heart of Wales. To have a finish for the first time is truly exciting and we are doing everything we can to make the most of this opportunity.

"This competition is a great way for businesses to show their support to the race by creating fun and unforgettable shop window displays. We hope as many businesses in the county as possible will take part in our competition."

The tour is the largest free-to-view sporting event in the UK and it is also broadcast live on ITV. It enters north Powys at Llangynog before taking a challenging route through the Dyfi Valley then it heads to Rhayader and down to Newbridge-on-Wye before finishing at the showground .

The competition is open to all Powys businesses so that they can show their support for the event, even if they are not alongside the route. The winner will receive a prize of £100.

To be in with a chance of winning, email a photo of your display to [email protected] by Monday, September 12.

For more information about the competition contact Ffion Williams by emailing [email protected] or telephone 01938 551335.