FIREFIGHTERS will be joining the Tour of Britain as it travels through Halton on Monday, September 8.

Crews from Widnes Fire Station will be outside Wade Deacon School as the sprint stage passes Birchfield Road, talking to people about cycling safely.

Firefighter Phil Bishop, said: "With the Friends of Life Tour of Britain coming through Widnes, this is an ideal opportunity to promote safer cycling.

"We are delighted that the tour organisers, SweetSpot Group are supporting us at the Widnes stage, recognising the importance of the safety messages we will be giving out to Halton residents."

More than 100 of the world’s top cyclists, including last year's winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins, and Mark Cavendish are taking part.

The race arrives at10.30am and will whizz through very quickly, leaving at around 11.10am.

There are plenty of good vantage points in both towns for you to watch and cheer.

Entering Halton on the A5080 Cronton Road, the race travels along Birchfield Road, Kingsway, Moor Lane, Queensway, across the Silver Jubilee Bridge, along the Bridgewater Expressway to the Spur Road, Halton Link Road, West Lane, Southway, East Lane and Hallwood Link Road before leaving the borough on the Southern Expressway towards Northwich.

A ‘rolling road closure’ will be in place to allow the race to pass through Halton without interference from non-race traffic.

Once the race has departed, the roads will open again.

Halton Council Leader Clr Rob Polhill, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Tour to Halton.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity, whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or not, to witness a major, world class event on the doorstep, so let’s get out there in great numbers and cheer the riders on."

There will be three hours of live TV coverage every afternoon and an hour's highlights programme each evening on both ITV4 and British Eurosport.

For more details about the route in Halton visit halton.gov.uk/tourofbritain.