THOUSANDS headed for the streets of Wiltshire to catch a glimpse of the stars of world cycling as the Friends Life Tour of Britain passed through the county yesterday.

The likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish raced into a warm Wiltshire welcome as communities came out to wave flags and cheer the riders on.

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We have had a fantastic year of cycling in Wiltshire and we are so pleased that our residents are embracing cycling, enabling them to enjoy the beautiful countryside we have across the county.

”Hosting the Tour of Britain across our county has really enabled us to showcase cycling to all our communities to show them the benefits and fun that can be had in participating in this sport.”

People in towns and villages along the route, which took the cyclists from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey, told of the “fantastic atmosphere” and excitement generated as Wiltshire was showcased to a global television audience.

Among those watching were school children from Pewsey Primary School. Headteacher, Nicola Gilbert, said: “It’s important to be part of the community and the children have been really excited about this as this kind of thing doesn’t happen very often.

“It’s important for the children to be part of the sports side of it and it’s great when it’s happening on your doorstep.”