OFFICIAL figures show that more than £100,000 was injected into Redditch's local economy from a Halfords Tour Series cycle race in May this year.

Local businesses benefited from the 10,000 visitors attracted to the event, of whom two-thirds travelled in to the area from the wider West Midlands.

Visitors were able to witness some of the world's top cyclists going head-to-head around the town centre course.

The figures, from Worcestershire County Council, show day travellers to the event spent an average of £62, whilst those staying overnight, the majority of whom used hotels in the town, spent £141 per head on average.

The event was the launch pad for the county council's £2.8 million Choose How You Move scheme, which aims to encourage people out of their cars to use more sustainable alternative modes of transport.

Cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, councillor John Smith, said: "The findings of the impact assessment report for the Tour Series are very encouraging.

“It shows the event was really worthwhile, both in terms of promoting cycling as a transport alternative to the car, and in the boost to Redditch's local economy.

“We are looking to build on this success for next year's event."

The Halfords Tour Series is Britain's top cycle race, and Choose How You Move has successfully negotiated a three-year deal to host the event in Redditch.