The Tour of Britain Cycle Race sped through the district on Thursday, giving some of its most treasured communities and landscapes a worldwide television airing.

The 110-mile Devon stage began in Exeter and ended at Exmouth, but not until the dozens of competitors had first passed through Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead and across Dartmoor.

Among the thousands of people who turned out for the spectacle were pupils from The First Federation Primary Schools of Chudleigh Knighton and Blackpool.

They stood among the crowds at Haytor Rocks and as they waited for the cyclists to pass, recorded the atmosphere so they could write up their experiences back in the classroom.

Head of teaching and learning Jackie Huntington, from Chudleigh Knighton, said: 'The children from both schools had a wonderful time cheering on the competitors and soaking up the atmosphere. We are very lucky to have had such a prestigious event pass through the area.'

Race director Mick Bennett was full of praise for the Devon leg of the race.

'This is the best Tour of Britain stage ever thanks to the weather, the quality of the field of riders, the way the race developed and the crowds in Devon,' he said.

Devon rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, of Rapha Condor Sharp, dominated the Skoda King of the Mountain climbs in front of huge crowds across Dartmoor. He was first to reach Haytor and made it a hat-trick by also taking the honours at Coffin Stone and Huccaby Tor, earning him the class leader's polka dot jersey.

Mark Renshaw, of Team HTC-Highroad, crossed the line first in Exmouth, however, just ahead of team-mate Mark Cavendish.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon's highways supremo, said: 'Devon has again been treated to an amazing stage of the Tour of Britain and people have turned out in force to show their support for this incredible event.

'The icing on the cake is having Devon rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke pulling on the Skoda King of the Mountains jersey. Everyone was excited at the return of the tour, the atmosphere was electric and the size of the crowds has highlighted the appetite for cycling.

'I think we have clearly demonstrated that we truly are a cycling county.'