A COMMUNITY bike decorating competition has been launched to run alongside next month’s Tour Series event in Galashiels town centre.

The Tour Series is the UK’s premier professional cycle race series and Britain’s best riders will compete in a unique, team-based format as part of a full day of sporting and community-focused activities.

Free bikes, provided by Just Cycle, are available, on a first-come-first-served basis, for anyone wishing to take part.

These can be collected from the Focus Centre in Galashiels any day before 2pm – simply ask for the Centre caretaker who will be happy to help.

The competition ends on the April 29 when representatives from the Braw Lads' Gathering will judge the best bikes in Bank Street gardens between 7 and 8pm.

The winning bikes will then be displayed throughout the town for the duration of the Tour Series. The winners will also receive gift vouchers and a goody bag.

Window dressing competition. Town centre businesses are also being encouraged to join in the festivities with a window dressing competition.

To take part, all you have to do is: Decorate a window at your business premises based on a cycling theme

Email the organisers at hello@galashielsheartland.org.uk by 12 noon on Monday May 2 to let say that you are taking part

Have your window ready for judging by 5.30pm on Monday May 2.

Keep your window dressed until Thursday May 5,

The windows will be judged by this year's Braw Lad and Lass, with the winner to be announced during the Tour Series event. The prize is £250 worth of advertising with Radio Borders.

A range of community events and entertainment are being planned for the day of the event itself, and further details will be provided soon.

Debbie Paterson, Energise Galashiels Trust Member: “It’s a privilege for the town to be involved in the Tour Series. This allows Galashiels to be part of something bigger and as a sport-loving town, I have no doubt that the crowds will come out to support this event. As preparations are already underway, there’s a buzz among traders in the town, with many choosing to open late on the day of the 4th May.”