THOUSANDS of cycling fans who turned out to watch the Tour de Yorkshire in Craven helped boost the county's economy by an estimated £50 million.

About two million fans lined Yorkshire's roads to see their heroes during the three days of the race, with the first stage on Friday starting in Beverley and ending in front of large crowds at Settle.

Cold and wet Craven weather, following an early morning fall of snow, failed to deter the fans, who lapped up entertainment on the streets and at the various 'spectator hubs' in the town.

Before arriving in Settle, the riders raced past cheering spectators at Hebden, Grassington, Threshfield, Cracoe, Gargrave, Hellifield and Long Preston, before going on a ten-kilometre loop through Giggleswick and back into Settle. A bunch sprint to the finish line at the town's market place was won by young Dutch rider, Dylan Groenewegen.

Shops and businesses reported significant increases in trade as spectator numbers built up in the hours before the arrival of the race, with food and drink retailers doing particularly well.

Craven District Council chief executive, Paul Shevlin, said the Tour was a "wonderful event" for the area, with television coverage of the full race being screened in more than 150 countries.

He added: "Settle and the surrounding villages have really risen to the occasion.

"The weather has been challenging at times but the people of Settle have done themselves proud, and the sun even shone for the finish.

"We've shown the world once again what a fantastic district Craven really is, with its glorious countryside and warm, welcoming communities. I'm sure Settle and the surrounding area will benefit from this investment and focus on the north of Craven for years to come."

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, attended a 'thank you' reception organised by Craven District Council at Settle Cricket Club straight after the race had finished.

He said: "I've been coming to Settle since I was a lad and I've never seen it looking so good.

"Everyone has done the most fantastic job. Settle looked a picture and these images are going round the world. Settle is now world famous!"