Cornwall Council is to bid to host the Grand Depart Stage of the 2020 Tour of Britain.

Members recognised the potential £3million economic boost to Cornwall of hosting such a high profile event.

Cabinet portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said:  ‘The chance to showcase beautiful Cornwall through the worldwide coverage of Britain’s largest free-to-watch sporting event represents a real opportunity for us.  When we successfully hosted the Olympic torch relay, we felt the social and economic benefits along the route and in Cornwall as a whole.  I believe that this will have the same hugely positive effect. The benefits it could bring are not just financial, it would also help raise the profile of cycling in Cornwall and motivate people to lead healthier, more active lives.’