THERE promises to be a celebratory atmosphere when the world’s best cyclists make their way up the Suffolk coast.

People are expected to turn out in their thousands to welcome the likes of Tour de France winner and recent Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins.

Communities are promising to pull out all the stops with colourful bunting lining the route to inspire the riders.

After coming through Snape the race will head along the A1094 to Aldeburgh, passing the Moot Hall and Market Cross Place and going through to Thorpeness, Aldringham and then Leiston.

From there it will head to Theberton, Middleton and Westleton - where there will be a “King of the Mountains” stage, and then Reydon.

Ruth Proctor, clerk to Aldeburgh Town Council, said everyone was very excited.

“It should bring lots of people out because there are some great cyclists taking part,” she said. “We have some banners going up outside the Moot Hall and the Railway pub as you come into the town. It promises to be a great event and caps a fantastic year.”

Terry Hodgson, chairman of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, is taking part in a charity ride the day before which follows most of the route of the Tour of Britain.

Mr Hodgson, who is raising money for local youth group CYDS, said: “The town already has bunting up from the Olympic and Paralympic celebrations - so that will stay.

“It’s very exciting. I think they’re will be a lot of people who will be out in force to take a look.”

Arlette Smith, chairman of Westleton Parish Council, said she expected people would flock to the village green to get the best vantage point.

Barrie Remblance, chairman of Reydon Parish Council, said they had a lot of keen cyclists in the village and thought people would turn out to show their support.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever hosted anything like this so we’re not too sure what to expect,” he said. “However I’m sure it will be well supported and people will come out to watch.”