"Petal power" to welcome Tour de France to the South Bank

In France it is traditional for villages along the route of the Tour de France go to great lengths to enter into the spirit by creating floral displays, cycling themed art and colourful banners to decorate their village.

Lambeth Council is asking for local people's help to bring some of this spirit to the borough and is encouraging people to produce topiary or flower displays for shop displays, windows or front gardens, or other art, such as paintings and sculptures. All the entries should have a cycling theme.

"Lambeth residents are renowned for their creativity and artistic talent so I hope as many people as possible get involved and help get the borough into the spirit of the Tour de France," says Cllr Nigel Haselden.

Stage One of the Tour de France will enter the borough of Lambeth via Westminster Bridge on Sunday 8 July. The route follows Chicheley Street, Belvedere Road and Upper Ground before returning to the north bank via Blackfriars Bridge.

A number of prizes are on offer for the best entries to the competition, including three bicycles and 10 Good Going bicycle packs (worth £50).

All the entries will be incorporated into a display and showcased at various Lambeth Transport events in the future.

The closing date for the competition is Thursday 31 May 2007. To enter send a photo of your creative work to [email protected] or post a photo of your response to Tour de France Competition, 1st Floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SP. Remember to include full contact details.