The return of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain to Nottinghamshire in September boosted the local economy by more than £4million and attracted nearly a quarter-of-a-million spectators.

An economic impact assessment commissioned by event organisers revealed that the showpiece cycle race generated £4.34m in net visitor expenditure for Nottinghamshire's economy – with an impressive 225,000 fans lining the 116-mile route.

The race returned to Nottinghamshire for the first time in four years when the fifth stage from West Bridgford to Mansfield took place on Thursday 8 September.

Sadly, the stage proved to be the final leg of this year's tour as the three remaining stages were cancelled due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The report shows that in Nottinghamshire 69 per cent of spectators came from outside of the county to watch the race and 60 per cent of fans said they would visit Robin Hood Country again. Also, 86 per cent of visitors described the race as 'very enjoyable' and 50 per cent of people revealed that the race has inspired them to cycle more.

Figures also revealed that the average daily spend for day visitors per group was more than £48, while overnight visitors spent more than £135.

News of the financial boon for Nottinghamshire comes after event organisers had praised fans for creating a 'truly unforgettable' atmosphere along the route – hailing them as the 'best of this year's race'.

Councillor Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said the Tour of Britain's return to the county for the first time since 2018 had proved to be a huge success.

He said: "These figures once again highlight how Nottinghamshire can successfully host an international event of this magnitude as well as being a tourist destination which people want to visit and return to in future.

"We all know that Nottinghamshire is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, but it is always nice to hear this view confirmed by people from outside the county who have perhaps never visited here before.

"The findings really are the icing on the cake after what was truly a stage to remember – especially for the fans who travelled here in their thousands to watch the race pass through our county.

"Hopefully the AJ Bell Tour of Britain will make a return here for a fourth time in the future, not only because of the financial benefits it brings, but so we can once again showcase everything our wonderful towns and villages have to offer to a wider audience."