THE Tour of Britain's visit to East Lothian has been described as “overwhelmingly positive” by a local councillor.

The eight-stage race passed through East Lothian last Wednesday morning.

More than 100 competitors whizzed through Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Port Seton and Longniddry before heading in-land and travelling through Gladsmuir, Pencaitland, East Saltoun and Gifford on their way to Blyth, in Northumberland.

Fernando Gaviria, from Columbia, won the stage, which was witnessed by thousands of people, including hundreds of East Lothian's schoolchildren.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority's spokesman for tourism and economic development, felt the event was a great success.

He said: “I saw the Tour de France when it went through Aubigny, it is maybe not on the same scale but hopefully the Tour of Britain comes back; it was overwhelmingly positive.

“The police were very engaged with the kids and for about 30 to 45 minutes before there was a lot going on.

“Television coverage was probably short but good and we saw them coming along the coast.

“I think it look great for a first time and it was a real success.

“Hopefully, they come back again.”

Edvald Boasson Hagen, from Norway, became the first man to win the modern Tour of Britain twice, with Tranent's Evan Oliphant in 59th place.