MINEHEAD will play host to the UK's first cycling road race dedicated solely to women - and boasts the largest cash prize on offer in the history of the sport.

Up to 60 of the country's top professional female cyclists will compete in the Minehead Nocture on Friday, August 7.

The cyclists will battle it out over approximately 30 laps of a 1.6 kilometre circuit of the town and seafront.

The winner of the race will receive a cash prize of £500, while organisers Somerset County Council and the South West Bike Academy are hoping to create a carnival atmosphere by teaming up with local businesses to offer onlookers a variety of family-based entertainment and attractions.

The nocturne forms part of the popular Tour of Britain cycle race, which has seen the South West stages being ridden through Somerset in recent years.

Graham Bagley, Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain project manager, said the nocturne was likely to attract some of the country's best female competitors.

Ken Maddock, leader of Somerset County Council, said: "It is a great opportunity to have the UK's first ever dedicated female cycling race in Somerset.

"We hope that families will come along to watch the fast paced racing and enjoy the events on offer."