THE Tour de France swept through Skipton to a rapturous reception as it headed up into the Dales.

First came the three leaders, who were three minutes and seven seconds ahead of the chasing pack.

Then sustained cheering greeted the main body of riders as the Grand Depart swept up the High Street in a sea of colour, before heading north into Upper Wharfedale and the first climbing challenge at Kidstones – or Cote de Cray, as it is now known.

One rider fell from his bike as the riders headed out of town, but he was apparently able to remount and resume the race.