PREPARATION for the arrival of the world's largest annual sporting event moved up a gear this week with the opening of a Tour de France information centre.

A vacant room in Penistone town hall has been decked out in bunting and will offer the latest race news to locals and visitors until the event passes through nearby Langsett on July 6.

Karen Dennis, who is helping run the Barnsley Council project, said: "I think as people realise we're here they'll come in to look at what's going on.

"We're a work in progress, we're going to have more information available on the Tour de France as it becomes available.

"I think interest will gather momentum because the people here today are so enthused by it."

The service, in the council's former Connects office on Shrewsbury Road, will be available between 10am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

It will also offer information about other local events and attractions.