A giant screen from Silverstone racecourse will be erected in Finchingfield ahead of the Tour de France passing through the village in July.

The 18m television will arrive the night before the race to form a focal point on the main green, showing the race live in readiness for the cyclists travelling over the bridge and past the pond.

The green will also be lined with marquees and stalls to create a festival atmosphere for the international event.

Chairman of Finchingfield Parish Council, Graham Tobbell said: “This is the highlight of this year’s village calendar and we’re so pleased that the route is coming through our beautiful village.”

Spains Hall will also be transformed into a campsite for visitors who want to make the most of the spectacle.

General Manager at Spains Hall Stuart Crow said: “We can accommodate thousands of cars and there will be plenty for visitors to do in Finchingfield before and after the cyclists go through.

“We expect there’ll be a great atmosphere and if the sun shines that’ll be the icing on the cake.”

The road through Finchingfield from Great Sampford to Wethersfield will be closed to traffic for the day but routes from Great Bardfield and Stambourne will remain open.

Two official car parks will be open on Bardfield Road and at Spains Hall for visitors to use.

The race is expected to reach Finchingfield at around 1pm on Monday July 7.