OTLEY'S MP is calling for a conference to make sure the local area receives a long term boost following the Tour de France.

Tens of thousands of people turned out in Arthington, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Otley to welcome the famous race's riders on Saturday, July 5.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) says he was delighted with the impact the Grand Depart had on local tourism, sport and business - and wants to help draw up a strategy to build upon it.

So the MP, who is co-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Tour de France group, has written to all the relevant local councils and other groups to suggest staging a conference to drive the idea forward.

He said: "The Tour de France coming through our area in Arthington, Pool and Otley was a triumph, an unforgettable day and an amazing occasion that we should be very proud of.

"Millions of people around the world saw the stunning scenery, towns and villages and will want to visit.

"It is crucial we now secure a long term and ongoing benefit from this for local tourism and commerce.

"Already we are seeing a real legacy of this amazing weekend, with a huge boost to the local economy and more people cycling locally.

"We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to us together a concerted strategy to continue to attract people to the area and we must take it.

"The way to do this is to get the local councils, businesses and other organisations together to discuss how we make sure that, now our area is known about around the world, we use this to ensure we see an ongoing boost to local tourism and the economy.

"This is how we can help ensure Le Tour Yorkshire will live on for generations to come."

Mr Mulholland is asking Otley's Town Council, Town Partnership and Chamber of Trade, along with the parish councils for Pool, Bramhope and Arthington, Leeds City Council, ward councillors, and Welcome to Yorkshire, to support the idea.