MILLIONS of fans were expected to descend on Yorkshire when it was announced it would hold the prestigious UCI Road World Cycling Championships.

Yorkshire – which proved its cycling pedigree by hosting the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart and twice staging the three day Tour de Yorkshire – was once again be in the global sporting spotlight.

The week-long championships feature more than 1,000 of the world’s elite riders competing across 12 races watched by a predicted TV audience of more than 300 million.

The UCI, cycling’s world governing body, revealed it had selected Yorkshire following a meeting in Doha, Qatar, on October 12, 2016.

Although the routes were yet to be announced, the championships would see races start in North, South, East and West Yorkshire.

The formal bid was submitted by national governing body British Cycling in partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire, funding body UK Sport and the Government.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity said: “We have got the scenery, the crowds, and the warm welcome, and we are sure the world’s best riders will love the challenging roads we have to offer.”

Elsewhere, the “killer clown” craze that was sweeping the country appeared to show no signs of slowing down – despite repeated appeals for youngsters to stop the terrifying antics.

Police in North Yorkshire became the latest force to issue warnings after a sudden spate of incidents in the space of a few hours.

In the early evening of Monday, October 11, 2016, the force received at least eight separate reports from concerned members of the public about young people dressed up as clowns, jumping out at them or chasing after them.

Parents were being urged to impress upon their youngsters the potential consequences of such behaviour.

“While some people may think this is funny, it is not for the person on the receiving end,” said a spokeswoman.

“It could also constitute a criminal offence if you frighten or threaten other people.

“The same applies regardless of what kind of mask you are wearing, if you set out to frighten or alarm people, you could be committing an offence.”

In Northallerton, one startled member of the public reported a clown appearing at their door, singing.

And a group of five youths wearing clown masks were seen jumping out at cars on Malpas Road.

They handed over their masks for destruction after being stopped by officers.

Finally, a woman was arrested on suspicion of fraud after a North Yorkshire motor club alleged a significant amount of money had been taken.

Richmond Motor Club, which hosts the popular Scott Trial in Swaldedale, held an extraordinary meeting in Richmond in October, 2016, to update members.

North Yorkshire Police was investigating and a woman was arrested and released on bail.