THIS year's Tour de Yorkshire pumped nearly £60 million into the region's economy, independent research has revealed.

The study has found that the cycling extravaganza, from April 29 to May 1, saw more than two million spectators line the route and spend 20 per cent more than last year.

Spending on accommodation was up 27.8 per cent - nearly £26million this year, compared with £20million in 2015.

A further £33million was spent this year on food, drink, transport and other items, which is £4million or 12.4 per cent up on the previous year.

The economic impact study carried out by Leeds Beckett University, showed that 79 per cent of spectators were from Yorkshire, while 21 per cent were from elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, which helped organise the event, said: “This is tremendous news for Yorkshire and the statistics speak for themselves - the public support for the Tour de Yorkshire is overwhelming.

“Even in the face of some not so welcoming weather, these statistics show that the Tour de Yorkshire is rapidly going from strength to strength.

“This confirms that the people of Yorkshire have really taken the Tour de Yorkshire to their hearts and already we can’t wait for next year.”

The race was televised in 178 countries and watched by some 11.4 million global TV viewers across Eurosport and ITV4, which is double the amount in 2015.

This year's race winded its way across North Yorkshire during stage one, with the peloton racing through North Duffield, Cawood, Tadcaster and Knaresborough. It returned to the county during stage three, passing through places such as Thirsk, Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside.

A number start and finish locations have already been confirmed for next year's race, with Harrogate, Selby, Sheffield and Halifax announced as hosts.

York hosted the finish to stage two of the first ever Tour de Yorkshire in 2015.