THE GOVERNMENT has today pledged £800,000 to help fund the 2015 Tour de Yorkshire, part of which will pass through Keighley district.

The cash support was revealed by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity.

Mr Clegg said that £300,000 would be spent on international marketing to promote the Tour de Yorkshire and the region generally to overseas tourists.

The remaining £500,000 will go towards improving cycling facilities in Yorkshire.

Mr Clegg said: "Yorkshire wore the yellow jersey with pride last year, with an incredible staging of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

"The Tour de Yorkshire this summer is the perfect opportunity to build on this lasting legacy, attracting visitors again, which in turn will boost business in the region."

The race will run from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3, and will travel through Haworth, Oxenhope, Goose Eye, Glusburn, and Silsden.

The massive international event will include the Keighley and South Craven sections on its third day, as part of a 167-km route from Wakefield to Leeds.

The first stage on May 1 is from Bridlington to Scarborough and the second day runs from Selby to York.