THE leader of Worcester City Council has spoken of his delight over the Tour of Britain's return - with the economy in line for a seven-figure boost.

Councillor Adrian Gregson says he wants to see Worcester's restaurants, cafes, bars and shops packed to coincide the September's cycling extravaganza.

The politician, who attended a launch event in Cardiff last night, said the city's national profile will receive a hefty shot-in-the-arm.

As the Worcester News revealed yesterday the city will host the start of Stage Eight of the race, Britain's biggest cycling event, on Sunday September 10.

It will be the first time Worcester has hosted a section of the tour since 2014, when it was estimated to have boosted Worcestershire's economy by £1 million.

Cllr Gregson said securing a Sunday slot means the county can expect an even better return, as the 2014 visit took place in mid-week.

This year Worcester is also expected to experience a significant 'Saturday night boost', as the day before the city's Sunday event the race will finish in Cheltenham.

"The day before the race is in Cheltenham, so on the Saturday night you've got cyclists, their support teams, admin staff, and everyone else involved in the tour who will be looking for places to stay and restaurants to eat out in," said Cllr Gregson.

"We've got to be aware of that and be ready for it, because Worcester can really capitalise on it.

"And it's a Sunday, hopefully the weather will be good and people can watch the race and then enjoy the city centre.

Malvern Gazette:

"We've got the last stage of the race which is brilliant for us - it'll be at a really exciting point where everyone will know who the main contenders to win are.

"Then there's the live TV coverage which will show people what the county's environment is like, and will encourage more people to come and visit.

"The last time the tour was here it boosted the economy by £1 million and that was on a Wednesday - imagine what it could do now.

"It's a boost for businesses, a major boost for Worcester's profile as a city, we are building on our reputation."

Malvern Gazette:

It is a major coup for the city, with last year's event watched by 1.2 million people on Eurosport and ITV4.

A staggering 75,000 people attended the event in Worcester three years ago as spectators.

Stage Eight will be the final race of this year's event, and will travel to Cardiff via Worcestershire.