A STONE cairn to mark the point the opening stage of the Tour de France will enter its final district has been unveiled.

Ripon dry stone waller Scott Winship has created the landmark in Masham for free to celebrate the tour.

The cairn, which will double up as an honesty box for the town's Market Place car park, features an octagonal stone which has been used as the Yorkshire Rose finial.

Councillor Phil Ireland, of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “This was an exceptionally generous gesture from Scott Winship and we were delighted to accept it.

"In modern times, cairns are often erected as landmarks. The place the Tour entered our district is such an event that warrants this incredible landmark which I hope will remain for centuries to come.”

Nick Reed, co-ordinator of the Masham Grand Départ steering group, said: “This cairn is going to be an attractive asset to the town and will certainly serve as a reminder of the Tour coming through Masham long after the cyclists have left.”