A video highlighting cycle routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park ahead of next year’s Tour de France topped 1,300 YouTube views in just six days.

The four-minute film, which features cycling commentator Phil Liggett, was made for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to showcase the huge choice of routes on offer in the Dales.

It was launched to coincide with the confirmation of the Tour de France Grand Départ route next year. Since then it has been watched by people across the globe, from South Africa to Canada.

Keen cyclist Nick Thwaite, from the park authority, said: “The video has captured the attention of audiences worldwide which is fantastic.

"The fact that it has attracted so many views in such a short space of time emphasises just how much interest there is in cycling in this beautiful part of the country.

“The video helps to show what is there all year, every year for everyone from professional cyclists to mums and dads out for the day with their children.”

The lighthearted video has been produced by North Yorkshire-based Fridge Productions and features a group of riders cycling along sections of the Grand Départ route assisted by extras who include rock climbers, some sheep and a border collie.

The video can be viewed on the national park authority’s website at www.cyclethedales.org.uk/film.