Hadleigh today started dressing to look its best as the world's cameras are about descent on the town with the Tour of Britain sprint coming down the High Street tomorrow.

The bunting is up, some shops have put on window displays and residents have bedecked their homes along the route ready for the live television cameras, on bikes and helicopters and a multitude of press photographers.

Angela Wiltshire, a Hadleigh resident and cycle racing enthusiast, frustrated by the lack of action by the town council and cycling group, led the way in making the town a colourful, welcoming vision for the 100 elite riders, and accompanying entourage by dishing out bunting and encouraging others with left over flags etc to join in.

Although frustrated by the lack of support from the town council and Babergh District Council red tape, Angela was well supported by a number of town business people who funded the bunting and helped deal with insurance, permissions and other red tape.

Steven O'Leary, who is redeveloping the former Barclay's Bank building, and Jolyon and Ben Stickels, directors at Hadleigh estate agents Chapman Stickels. who own property on different sides of the High Street joined together to string green bunting (to mark the sprint section) across the the road to add colour and add to the occasion. Both also contributed towards the cost, along with business owner Andrew Knock and resident Huw Roberts.

A number of others also chipped in towards the cost.

Mr Stickels said: 'We're really pleased to be able to support Hadleigh in its support of the Tour of Britain, and really what an honour it is to have the race come through our historic town.

"Many thanks to Angela for arranging all the bunting." 

Steven O'Leary with new generation of cyclists (Picture: contributed)

Mr O'Leary said he was delighted to support Angela, and the Tour of Britain and to put up bunting on the former bank, which is being converted into seven en-suite bedrooms to complement the Marquis at Layham's wedding venue.

Leanne Murphy, from the Letting Department, who helped Angela, added: "I'm really looking forward to supporting the cyclists tomorrow as they go through Hadleigh, also where the sprint race is! As a keen cyclist it's great that I can literally watch it all from our office."

'People kind of love or hate bunting, but it is the internationally accepted backdrop to elite cycling throughout Europe.," said Angela. 

"It's been a challenge, and it would not be happening as it is now without the great help and support, financial and practical, and the infectious positivity of Steven O'Leary and Paul and his team at 40 High Street and Jolyon and Ben Stickels across the road at 39.

"They have not hesitated to offer advice and support and while I would not say that they are entirely on board with the attraction of bunting themselves, they were so keen to help with Hadleigh's celebration of the Tour. 

"others in Hadleigh also automatically offered to help financially when I approached them to put up bunting, which meant that there has been enough to make the High Street Tour ready. Andrew, Rachel, May Ng and Matthew Douglas all wanted to contribute something to help bring the community together. "

"I know that the Tour of Britain hope that top cycling teams will continue to come to compete in the race and we do play a part in that when we welcome the race as host towns and villages. Cycling is a great team sport, free to watch and we can all take part on the same roads that elite cyclists race on. 

"We are fortunate in Hadleigh to have our own cycling club where volunteers nurture and grow the cycling heroes of the future. 

"I hope that everyone enjoys watching the race and will give the riders a massive 'Allez!'

Thousands will line the route as Stage Five of the Tour of Britain will complete a loop of Suffolk as the world's best part and finish the day on Felixstowe seafront.

The race will come down from Layham, burst through the town centre then exit from Bridge Street up the hill towards Bildeston and Wattisham.

Bedecked home on Bridge Street (Picture: Nub News)

For all the timings, route map and where to watch the Tour of Britain - see full story here...