THE Tour de France, which whizzed through the Yorkshire Dales this summer, was watched by 3.3 million people and generated around £102m for the county's economy, according to a new 64-page report.

Around 10,000 packed into the tiny market town of Hawes to see some of the world's top cyclists battle their way up the daunting Buttertubbs Pass in early July.

And now, five months later, The Three Inspirational Days report has revealed how Yorkshire benefited both economically and socially by hosting the opening two stages of the Tour and stage three between Cambridge and London.

The Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour attracted massive crowds on the weekend of July 5 and 6 as the riders went first from Leeds to Harrogate, through the Yorkshire Dales, and then from York to Sheffield.

While many were locals embracing this once-in-a-lifetime event, almost half came into the region from other parts of the UK or overseas.

County Cllr John Weighell, North Yorkshire County Council’s leader, said: "The Tour de France was momentous for North Yorkshire; not just in terms of bringing a world event to the county with such success and hundreds of thousands of spectators who lined our streets and country roads and the global television audience of millions.

“It was momentous because it brought together our communities, businesses and all our partner agencies who pulled together so effectively for the occasion and presented this beautiful county and all its facilities and attractions to the world. The beneficial effect is being built upon and has far-reaching consequences for the region, both socially and economically."

Wendy Davis, a spectator, told the report: “We came to Hawes for the day to watch the Tour, and we couldn’t believe how much Hawes had embraced it. Yellow banners, painted bikes, it was terrific. We loved it so much we stayed the night in Hawes Youth Hostel, we genuinely didn’t want to leave. Thank you Hawes, we will be visiting again."