CROWDS gathered in Bolton to welcome cyclists taking part in this year's Tour of Britain.

Cyclists entered the town at around 1.20pm to be greeted by hundreds of people lining the route.

They included 50 Walmsley CE Primary School pupils who will be in Blackburn Road in T-shirts that spell Bolton.

Spectators waved Bolton flags as cyclists come past and there was a festival atmosphere with activities taking place along the route.

The tour of Britain started its final stage at 11am to take in all 10 of the Greater Manchester boroughs, starting Altrincham to finish in Deansgate in Manchester.

The final stage of the race will visit the town on Saturday as it takes in all 10 of the Greater Manchester boroughs, starting in Altrincham and finishing in Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

Leader of Bolton Council Cllr David Greenhalgh, who was out supporting the cyclists from Egerton Park, said: "Just a huge thank you to everyone in this community who turned out in force.

"There were hundreds of people on the streets waving them on, it was a great atmosphere and what these elite athletes absolutely deserve.

"And what a wonderful once in a lifetime experience for us all to share and thank you to everyone who has turned out to make it a really special day."