In pictures: crowds line the streets as Tour of Britain cyclists take on the North East

Hundreds of North East residents took to the streets on Friday as some of the world's best cyclists traversed the region.

The UK's premier cycle race passed through Cumbria, Northumberland and Gateshead, ending in the shadow of the iconic Angel of the North.

Wherever they went, the athletes were cheered on by large crowds as people flocked to catch a glimpse of the action.

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Here are some of the best pictures captured by our photographers on a great day for the North East.

Spectators at the finish line of stage six of The Tour of Britain at The Angel of the North in Gateshead. (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Hundreds turned out to watch the action in Gateshead (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

The race began in Carlisle and finished in Gateshead - 198km later! (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

It was the sixth stage of the race, with two more set to take place over the weekend (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Some spectators really got into the swing of things (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Plenty of fun for spectators with four legs too! (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Spectators waited patiently for a glimpse of the action (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

The riders were greeted with large cheers (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

A great day out for all ages (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Wout Van Aert celebrates victory in stage six of The Tour of Britain at The Angel of the North in Gateshead. (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Hundreds line the main street in Hexham town center to watch the sixth stage of the tour of Britain (Newcastle Chronicle)

Fans waved flags as the cyclists came through (Newcastle Chronicle)

Riders reached Hexham after battling the hills of the Allen Valleys (Newcastle Chronicle)

It's not the first time the event has passed through Hexham (Newcastle Chronicle)

Some of the younger viewers to enjoy the spectacle (Newcastle Chronicle)

Many shops unveiled bunting and other decorations (Newcastle Chronicle)

Roads had to be closed in order for the event to take place (Newcastle Chronicle)

Spectators lined the street of Battle Hill in Hexham (Newcastle Chronicle)

Some were more excited than others! (Newcastle Chronicle)

Hundreds line the main street in Hexham town center to watch the sixth stage of the tour of Britain (Newcastle Chronicle)

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