AS the Tour of Britain snakes towards the Norfolk border, the swarm of riders will negotiate miles of unspoilt countryside and come across a succession of charming villages steeped in history.

The north Suffolk phase of the route features the beautiful country cottages of Wrentham - a regular winner of Waveney’s Best Kept Village award.

From there, the tour winds the sunrise coast by way of Henstead, through Kessingland, and on to Lowestoft.

The streets of Wrentham have already been packed with people once this summer for the arrival of the Olympic torch, and the village is hoping to welcome the Tour riders with similar crowds.

Wrentham Parish Council clerk, Angela Day said: “We’re lucky to have it passing through on a Sunday, and just like when the torch came through, people will be lining the streets.

“I know there is a lot of enthusiasm around and we’re looking forward to it.”

Kessingland is hoping to secure funding from the Tour organisers for bike safety gear to hand out to youngsters on the day for free.

Parish council vice chairman, Angie Fickling said: “Obviously, with news of Bradley Wiggins taking part, there is a lot of interest - even though you might blink and miss him.”

The riders will take to the A12 for the journey to Lowestoft, and could arrive at the UK’s most easterly point by noon. The race will rattle through town before emerging on the road to Great Yarmouth.