THE TOUR de Yorkshire trophy has been impressing residents during a whistle-stop tour of Otley.

The Y-shaped silverware made its way to venues across the town on Friday – little more than a week before the high-profile cycling race rolls into town.

People caught first sight of it outside Otley Core in Orchard Gate, where Town Bellman Terry Ford was using his sonorous voice to make sure residents knew all about it.

It was then taken to be shown at Otley Courthouse, the Buttercross, Woolpack Music and Arts Studios and, finally, Otley Cycle Club's base at Wellcroft House, for a big reception.

The club's captain, Brian Keighley, and membership secretary, Ken Hodgson, accompanied the trophy on its travels.

Ken said: "This is the first time I've seen it 'in the flesh' and it's great to see it here in Otley."

Designed by Thomas Fattorini Ltd, the trophy will be presented to the winner of the three-day men's race.

The award-winning company has also made a trophy for this year's women's race, which will start in Otley.