NORTHERN retailer Booths celebrates the start of the Grand Depart in Yorkshire with an incredible, edible cycle.

The cycle, made from regional produce was unveiled at Booths Ilkley in advance of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France which passes through Ilkley tomorrow, Saturday, July 5.

The tasty cycle is made from a framework of baguettes, festooned with handlebars made from radishes and garlic, tyres made from locally grown leeks, purple sprouting wheel spokes and a saddle made from red onions. The “baguette” bicycle is assembled from past “sell by date” produce from Booths and will be recycled as compost after the races have finished.

The edible cycle is accompanied by the 1st Booths delivery bike which dates back to 1847, the year Booths, the UK’s oldest supermarket, was established.

Chairman Edwin Booth said: “We wanted to celebrate the Tour de France coming to Ilkley with a bit of style and whimsy. Yorkshire is famously called the larder of Britain, creating a work of art out of produce that pays homage to all the producers and farmers that make Yorkshire what it is, Britain’s biggest and most delicious county—after my native and neighbouring Lancashire of course!

“Yorkshire Lancashire rivalries aside, welcoming the tour to Britain is a great boost for businesses and the morale of the region. All eyes will be upon the winding roads of what is arguably some of the most stunning landscapes of Britain. I’m certain the tour will bring a lasting legacy to the region and Booths are keen to support and celebrate the success.”

Throughout the weekend the store will be collecting donations for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.