THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Barrow to get a glimpse of the world's best cyclists powering through the town centre in the Tour of Britain.

Excited children, cycling fans and members of the public were in awe to see the likes of Tour de France heroes Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas in town for Stage Six of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

Deep crowds surrounded the Barrow Town Hall startline, while others lined the route at Abbey Road, Greengate Street, Michaelson Road Bridge , Bridge Road, North Road, Hindpool Road, The Strand, Salthouse Road, Roose Road and Rampside Road.

Amazed school children got to share the stage and high fives with the elite athletes as they were introduced to the cheering crowds. Mini Police officers from Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School were delighted to meet Team Sky's superstar Chris Froome. Barrow Police Inspector Jim Bailey said that was a "real highlight of the day".

Pupil Mariana Varela, of St Columba's Catholic Primary, Walney, said: "It's been really exciting and made me see that the town is very special. It's inspiring us about sport." Carmen Athersmith, a teacher at St Columba's said: "It's just so exciting to see all these famous riders in Barrow. The children have really enjoyed watching the Tour of Britain in Barrow."

Kieran Culley, 10, of St Pius X Catholic Primary School said: "I'm excited about the race and seeing the riders. It's great for our school to be here, it's inspiring." Russ Thompson, sports coach at St Pius, said: "This is a fantastic occasion and opportunity for children and everyone in the town to see these top flight sportspeople. This will encourage people to be active and take up sport."

Young people from Sandside School and Dowdales School were able take part in an inclusive cycle and trike race ahead of the start. Daniel Steel, 13, of Dowdales said: "It's been excellent. The Tour of Britain is amazing." Leah McMullan, 12, of Dowdales, said: "It's been very good and very exciting." Rebecca Cook, a PE teacher at Dowdales, said: "This has been an incredible experience, you got goose pimples. Daniel and Leah had a support team of friends here. What a great atmosphere. "

Schools on the route, including Furness Academy, Parkside GGI and Greengate Junior School hosted events at their schools. Furness Academy had a cyclocross event for numerous primary schools.

Barrow Mayor, Bill McEwan, of Barrow Borough and Cumbria County County councils said: "I am so proud to represent Barrow as mayor. Barrow has come alive with the Tour of Britain. I am so proud of everyone who has been part of this. This can be the start of something for Barrow, we have just proved we can stage big events. We hope the legacy will be having more occasions like this and inspiring young people to get involved in sport."

Councillor Dave Pidduck, leader of Barrow Borough Council said: "I feel 10 feet tall on a brick. This is such a proud day for Barrow. Barrow can stage big events. We want there to be a lasting positive impact."

BAE Systems was main sponsor and Cumbria County Council hosted the stage.

A FANZONE with a big screen and seating proved to be a popular place for the Tour of Britain celebrations to continue.

Barrow BID put on the big screen at the bottom of Dalton Road so those who had watched the race speed through the streets could then continue to watch the action live on ITV4.

Among those at the fanzone were local club cyclists Pete Abernethy, Mike Benson and Richard Morgan, they were keen to see the elite riders taken on the Cumbrian roads which they enjoy to ride on.

Mr Abernethy , 49, of Barrow, but who lives at Levens said: " It has been brilliant for the town, having Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas here is wonderful. It doesn't get any better for a cycling fan then to have the world's best riders in your home town."

Mr Benson, 56, of Walney said: "I was absolutely blown away by the event, it is amazing. It's a great way to promote cycling to more people and introduce them to cycling clubs."

Mr Morgan , 36, of Barrow, said: "It is brilliant to see the energy in the town for the Tour of Britain. It's also great that they put on a fanzone to keep people in the town.

I'm fairly new to cycling clubs. They are open to all abilities and are friendly. "

The friends recommend that anyone interested in seeing what cycling clubs have to offer look up Barrow Central Wheelers, Furness Flyers, Lakes Road Club, Kendal cycling Club and Kent Valley Cycling Club online and on social media.

Colin Garnett, of Barrow BID said: "The whole idea was to create footfall in the town hall and bring that into the town centre to the cafes, pubs and shops."

Mr Garnett said Barrow BID wants the Fanzone area to used as a designated square for more town centre events.