HUNDREDS of people turned out in Silsden to give the Tour de Yorkshire riders a rousing reception.

Most people massed on the pavements near the Bell Square junction with Bolton Road, with people of all ages beginning to arrive from late morning, hours before the cyclists were due to arrive.

The area was decked out with bunting and Yorkshire flags, and entertainment included Yorkshire themed games, live music, and barbecues, as well as refreshments in Silsden Methodist Church.

The public anticipation was heightened by a slightly later than predicted arrival, with the two leading cyclists not arriving in the town until 3.39pm. They were followed by the main groups of competitors at 3.43pm and 3.45pm, with the last riders passing through shortly before 4pm.

Despite gloomy forecasts, the people who turned out enjoyed plenty of sunshine and blue skies for the event.

Silsden resident Lee Taylor, 42, of local firm OMG Prints, came dressed in one of his firm's Tour de Cobbydale tops, made specially for the occasion.

"There's a brilliant atmosphere, we've had people out here all day, though it started getting really busy at about 2pm," he said.

"People partied for three days when the Tour de France came past, and I think that's why people have come back to Silsden for this event.

"We'd like to see this come through Silsden every year. Local businesses would love it to come past their front door."

Another Silsden resident, 74-year-old Muriel O'Dwyer, staked out her own viewpoint in Bolton Road from 1.30pm.

"It's good because it draws the whole community together, I'd like it to become an annual event," she said.

One of the spectators outside the King’s Arms Pub was 61-year-old Patrick Reynoldson, from Utley, Keighley, watching with his 58-year-old wife Anne.

“I was a really keen competitive cyclist when I was younger," he said. “I feel lucky to have been able to see the Tour de France go through my town last year. To get to see this event today is a bit of a bonus. It’s well worth the effort to come and watch it.”

Silsden councillor Rebecca Whitaker, part of the committee which helped organise Silsden's Tour de Yorkshire reception, said the day was also a good opportunity to promote the Grand deParty.

This will feature three weeks of fun Silsden events from July 4 to July 26 to coincide with the Tour de France.

Shortly before the Tour de Yorkshire riders sped past on Bolton Road, Cllr Whitaker said: "There were already a few people here at 11am, which is when the weather cleared up.

"We've got a bit of sunshine now, and people are getting excited. It's a very good atmosphere."