BIDDERS have dug deep for the chance to own a part of Tour de France history - and boosted the charity of Craven District Council's chairman by more than £2,000.

The council put up for auction 12 lamp-post banners and 50 bundles of bunting that were on the route of the iconic cycle race when it came through Skipton - and Yorkshire - in July.

And souvenir-hunters were happy to bid, with pledges totalling more than £1,200 for the twelve banners being made. The bunting raised around £800.

All the cash will go to Lupus UK, the charity being supported this year by council chairman Cllr Linda Brockbank.

She said: “The auction has been amazing and the total pledged has far surpassed what we expected. I would like to thank everyone who has supported the auction and bid for the memorabilia."

Craven District Council will contact all auction winners personally to arrange for payment and collection of the banners and bunting.