Schoolchildren have been getting creative to welcome the Tour de France to the district.

Pupils have designed and created Tour-themed flags and masks in Braintree Museum as part of cultural project workshops run by artist Alison Stockmarr.

Visual artist Valerie Osment has worked with Finchingfield Primary School and Shalford Primary School to create feather flags and windsocks.

Alison said: “The fact that more than 200 young people have come to take part in the museum workshops so far shows how much excitement there is about the Tour de France.

“The workshops have provided a really fun way of getting children involved in the Tour and making them feel a part of it.

“It also shows that, no matter how young or old you are, you can play a role in bringing the Tour to Essex and showcasing the county to the world.”

Valerie said: “The Tour de France is a whole cultural festival.

“There is a great tradition of art within the Tour and it is providing great inspiration for the children who are creating original artwork to show off to the world when the race comes past.

“It provides another way in which young people can engage with the Tour and benefit from it.”