Villagers in Pool-in-Wharfedale and Harewood are celebrating the “superb” news that the Tour de France will be heading their way next year.

The confirmation that the cycling event’s Grand Depart will include a stage that includes Harewood, Arthington and Pool has left the Parish Council in Pool thrilled – and determined to do something to mark the occasion.

Parish Council chairman Councillor Hazel Lee said: “It’s absolutely superb news and the parish council is delighted.

“The atmosphere will be fantastic and we’re looking forward to welcoming the cyclists.

“We’ll have to put our thinking caps on now to see what we’re going to do to mark the occasion, because this is going to put Pool on the world map.”

Harewood House is also celebrating its forthcoming involvement in Le Tour.

Mike Schafer, chief executive of the Harewood House Trust, said: “Our gardens have been voted as the nation’s most romantic, so it’s apt that we’re involved in stage one, the Romantic Stage.

“We will work hard to help showcase the beautiful county of Yorkshire to the world – this is an opportunity for us all, and we look forward to July 2014.”