A CLUSTER of villages in North Yorkshire are going to town on Tour de France celebrations, despite its district claiming only 1.2 miles of the route.

West Tanfield residents decided that despite Hambleton missing out on most of the action, they would make up for it with a weekend-long Grand Depart party that will include hot air balloons, live music, food, and parking for up to 10,000 cars.

The village, between Masham and Ripon, is holding one of the largest single events in the area and organisers hope to attract people who want to see the live action but have been worried about parking and access.

Residents from surrounding villages are also also chipping in and hope to reap some of the benefits.

Project co-ordinator David Powell said residents wanted to celebrate the tour coming through the village, but when they realised many of the surrounding roads would be closed on the day decided to make the village a central point where lots of people could park, camp, and enjoy the cycling in the village and from a large screen.

Mr Powell said: “West Tanfield is just five miles from at A1M so we are ideally placed for people coming from the north or south.

“We knew if people started abandoning their cars in the road it would soon be grid-locked so we tried to allow parking for as many vehicles as possible.

“We have hired a professional company to organise our parking for us, so people get in quickly and we minimise the traffic queues.”

Mr Powell added that the car park would be open from 5am on the Saturday morning, and that he would be there to welcome arrivals himself.

Starting from Friday, July 4, there will be a hot air balloon festival - featuring around 20 balloons including one based on Disney Pixar film, Up! – live entertainment from local musicians, a big screen, fun fair, craft stalls, food and drink from local pubs and outside catering facilities.

Local brewery, Pennine Brewing Company, based in Well, has even create a special beer for the occasion and will also be serving beers from other small alehouses in the area.

Village businesses will also be extending opening hours – including the village Post Office which has a cash machine.

And local farmers have allocated 50 acres of fields to allow for up to 10,000 cars and 500 camping pitches.

Fellow event co-ordinator Stephen Bennett added: “We had initially planned a more conventional village celebration, but realised West Tanfield had far more to offer.

“The festival has been organised wholly by volunteers from West Tanfield and the surrounding villages. All funds generated from the event will be re-invested into local community projects to ensure a full and lasting legacy from the Tour de France.”