BRADFORD College staff are gearing up to be part of the first ever volunteer force to accompany a Grand Départ.

Zaid Bashir, Margaret Naylor, Kevin Frost, Maurice Manktelow, Nick Koral, Paul Spencer and Hayley Lomas will form part of a 12,000-strong squad after being selected to become Tour Makers for the Tour de France, held on July 5 and 6.

Tour Makers will accompany the race action, taking on roles such as route, flag and crossing point marshals.

The marshals will help spectators get to the best viewing spots before the riders pass by, also ensuring the route is kept clear for the riders as the peloton comes through.

Managing crossing points, the Marshals will also get everyone across the route before and after the race.

Zaid Bashir, Bradford College cycling champion and technical development team leader said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I don’t think will come back to the region for a very long time.”