Otley’s pubs are preparing to serve vast crowds of thirsty cycling fans when the Tour de France passes through.

The riders on the Leeds to Harrogate opening leg of the Grand Depart are expected to reach the town just after noon on Saturday, July 5, with the publicity ‘caravan’ travelling through two hours earlier.

In its latest newsletter Otley Pub Club has listed those local inns that are directly on the race route, where spectators can enjoy “a pie and a pint” afterwards.

The club’s report adds: “But most of the other pubs are only a couple of minutes away and they’ll all be glad to see you.”