Sand art gets resort ready for cycle tour

The artists behind a large sand drawing on Skegness beach say they hope it will raise awareness of the town's role in the Tour of Britain men's cycle race.

Work on the artwork, which recreated a tour poster, began at 04:00 BST on Thursday.

Jamie Wardley, creative director of Sand In Your Eye, said: "It took about three-and-a-half hours for them to make it, which is pretty fast to make such a big picture. To see somebody making something is quite special."

Stage one of the event will start and end in Lincoln. The second stage, on Thursday 3 September, will start in Boston and finish in Skegness.

Wardley said work on the sand art was due to start on Thursday afternoon, but the timing was changed due to the weather forecast.

He said there was "a bit of jeopardy for the team" due to the tide coming in towards the end of the process.

"The sea was right on the drawing by the time they got the drone up to take the pictures, so they were just in time," he added.

Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for coastal economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: "I just think it's absolutely amazing. They are so incredibly talented, and have captured everything.

"The actual race is on 3 September, which isn't far away now. So it's all about ramping up awareness, getting people involved, encouraging people to get out on their bicycle and explore our lovely coast."

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