WIRRAL farmers, schools, clubs and businesses are invited to enter a national land art competition as part of Britain's biggest professional cycle race.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain will head to Wirral as it hosts both the start and finish of Stage Five of the race on Wednesday, September 11.

Stage Five will start and finish at Birkenhead Park and the route will also pass through the finish line within the park before competing a lap of Birkenhead and Wallasey.

As part of the race, organisers are now inviting residents to take part in their National Land Art competition by coming up with eye-catching creations in support of the event.

Last year the competition attracted more than 50 entries and was won by a group of North Devon farmers who created a giant bike comprised of 19 tractors, 16 all-terrain vehicles, a 13-tonne excavator and a slurry tanker wrapped in plastic and even featured moving wheels, pedals and a chain.

A panel will decide the top three pieces of art at the end of this year's event.

The winner will receive a trophy and commemorative Tour of Britain prize which will be presented by race director Mike Bennett while runner-up and third-place finisher will also take home trophies for their efforts.

Mr Bennett said: “The imagination and creativity shown in last year’s entries proved once again that British people are the most passionate in the world when it comes to supporting international cycle races.

“I’m already looking forward to seeing the roadside creations that will decorate the eight stages that form this year’s race route, although judging the winner and runners-up will no doubt prove a difficult decision once again!”

The competition idea stemmed from Nottinghamshire farmer Des Allen who created a sheep-based land art design, which was aired live during the event's ITV4 coverage.

He said: “We were staggered by the response that our small efforts received.

"We did it as a bit of fun and the response was fantastic. I would urge people to have a go; from a little bit of effort it is amazing the response you receive.”

The 108 mile stage five will leave Wirral passing through Port Sunlight before racing through Cheshire West and Chester - including passing the Airbus UK manufacturing facility at Broughton.

Then, the route will return, racing through Heswall, Caldy and Hoylake before passing through the Birkenhead Park finish line and taking in a loop through Seacombe, Wallasey and New Brighton.

The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain begins in George Square, Glasgow on Saturday, September 7 and finishes overall in Manchester city centre on Saturday, September 14.

ITV4 will once again screen live free-to-air coverage of each stage, along with a nightly highlights programme of the best of the action.

Cllr Christine Spriggs, cabinet member for culture and tourism said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Tour of Britain to Wirral during our year as Borough of Culture for the Liverpool City Region and thrilled that the Tour will showcase Wirral’s stunning beaches, beautiful countryside, incredible heritage and more.

"We know our residents and businesses will pull out all the stops to create some fantastic land art for the competition and give the Tour an imaginative Wirral welcome.

"With some exciting creative projects already well underway, including plans for a 100 metre long artwork produced by schools and community groups, we can’t wait to see the finished results in September!"

To enter the OVO Energy Tour of Britain’s National Land Art competition click here: https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/community/land-art/