Hundreds of children have been getting creative to help welcome the Tour de France to Essex.

As part of the Tour de France – Creating the Way cultural project workshops run by artist Alison Stockmarr have been taking place in museums in Braintree and Chelmsford, where more than 200 school children designed and created Tour themed flags and masks.

Visual artist Valerie Osment has worked with 10 schools along the route to create feather flags and windsocks. International arts organisation.

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 added: “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.”

This schools engagement programme is just one element of a wide ranging cultural project which has received £54,000 worth of funding, including £17,000 from Arts Council England and £18,000 from Royal Opera House Bridge.

Tour de France – Creating the Way will also see bespoke meadow art created along the route, while music events are being held in Rayne, Wethersfield and Chelmsford on the day Stage Three of the Tour comes to Essex.