RESIDENTS of a Monmouthshire village have been praised for turning out in force to support the 31st Abergavenny Festival of Cycling last month.

Grosmont was used as part of the 113-mile Grand Prix of Wales and Para GP which saw hundreds of cyclists descend upon the community on Sunday July 17.

An array of cycling-themed artworks and bunting decorated the course to welcome competitors along with sizeable crowds cheering from the side.

According to the festival organiser Bill Owen, the editor of cycling website VeloUK was quoted on his website as saying that the support from the small village was like something 'he had never seen before'.

"The village supported the event by bringing the whole community together, it was great to see," said Mr Owen.

A group of volunteers from the village were approached by Mr Owen prior to the race about hosting a section of the race for the first time as the festival spread outwards into northern Monmouthshire.

Along with the various decorations dotted around the village, cycling-themed activities were held at Grosmont Castle as part of an unofficial 'festival' to celebrate the visit of the race.

"It was a fantastic opportunity that we felt we couldn't pass up," said Graham Squire, one of the Grosmont festival organisers.

"I think it really encouraged people to perhaps get involved with cycling in the festival next year."

Attendances at the Angel Inn's Beer and Cider Festival across the weekend were also buoyed by the visit of the two races.

Owner Trevor Woolnough described the cycling festival as the 'best thing' to have happened to the pub since moving to the area 18 months ago.

"It was a very busy week for us and is probably the biggest deal for the village for some time," said Mr Woolnough.

"There was a lot of preparation by a lot of people in Grosmont and it paid off. We hope that something similar happens next year."

Monmouthshire county councillor Maureen Powell, who used to live in Grosmont, was also present during the celebrations.

"The response by the village was absolutely beautiful," said Cllr Powell. "It lend to what was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the festival."