SEVERAL roads around the county will be closed as a cycling event passes through.

Worcestershire welcomes the men's OVO Energy Tour of Britain on Thursday, September 12, and police are urging residents to be aware of road closures and plan their journeys.

The race starts at 1pm on Broad Street in Pershore and finishes on the High Street in Pershore at 3.30pm

To accommodate the start and finish line gantry, barriers, hospitality, podium and all the team vehicles, full road closures will be in place to all traffic.

Restrictions and road closures will in place from 9.30am.

These closures are also required for rider and spectator safety and endorsed by Worcestershire County Council and will include Pershore, Great Comberton, Little Comberton, Bricklehampton and Wick.

Chief inspector Steph Brighton said: "Following the success of previous tours in Worcestershire over the past couple of years we're delighted to welcome the tour back again this year.

"It will be wonderful to see some of the world's top cyclists battling it out in a televised individual time trial on the streets of our county.

"To allow the race to pass through there will be fixed road closures in place throughout the day to allow the race to start and finish safely.

"While inevitably there will be disruption due to the nature of the event, the event organisers will keep this to a minimum.

"The Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in attendance around Pershore town centre for community engagement and reassurance."

The 14.5 kilometre stage allows spectators to see riders tackle the course individually, starting in Pershore, passing through Little Comberton and Bricklehampton in an anti-clockwise loop.

For up to date details about the closures, go to: www.wychavon.gov.uk/tourofbritain