An Ashby-based international company will be the main sponsor of the town's Pride Day this year.

Siemens - with an office in Coalfield Way - is backing the second edition of the event on Saturday, August 10.

Ashby Pride Day made its debut last year - but this time, it will see town centre roads Market Street and Brook Street closed off for a day of celebration.

Transport management system company Siemens, says the event reflects its own policy on inclusiveness and equality.

Siemens started out in 1972 as Transmitton in Smisby Road, founded by John Walters - and while its name is known across the world, it has not forgotten its Ashby beginnings.

As a result, the company is keen to be associated with Ashby Pride as it grows into an annual event.

Colin Rowcliffe, operations director at Siemens Transportation Systems UK, told Ashby Nub News: "Although Siemens is an international company, this still feels like a family-run business, and belonging is at the heart of everything we do.

"Equality, diversity and inclusivity is fundamental to us as a company.

"We started out as Transmitton in Smisby 52 years ago, and it's important people know who we are and that we're still in Ashby - and backing events such as Pride Day in the town."

Organisers say there will be more than 40 stalls in the town centre on the day, along with live music, before the event carries on in local bars during the evening.

It is also designed to promote local businesses who plan to get involved with the day, as well as encouraging people into the town centre.

Siemens Mobility builds trains and provides rail infrastructure solutions here, in Britain.

It transforms rail travel and transport, with the imagination and ambition of 5,000 UK employees.

The company says each line of code, every component it builds, is a product of the people behind it.

In January, Siemens won a lucrative £47million HS2 contract to fit out the four main stations on the planned high speed line from London to Birmingham.

But the company says it is also committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates everyone and promotes equality and diversity.

It adds it supports its Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans people, empowering them to be their authentic, true selves at work.

Siemens mobility says it supports the LGBT+ communities and sponsors Goole Pride and Chippenham pride, as well as the forthcoming event in Ashby.