THOUSANDS of cycling fans will be descending on the Dales next week to see their Tour De France heroes in action.

And if they opt to watch the biggest event in Yorkshire's sporting history in the scenic village of Kettlewell, they will not go hungry and thirsty.

At least they won't if staff at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton have anything to do with it.

For they are taking the renowned hotel's catering 'on the road' with a special 'pop-up' cafe and tearooms next to Kettlewell's village hall.

'Le Pop-up' will last for just 24 hours, from around 4pm on Friday, July 4, to about 5pm on Saturday, July 5, when almost 200 riders will pass through one of the Dales' most picturesque villages on Stage One of the Tour.

Though the world's top cyclists are unlikely to emulate riders of a previous age - who sometimes took unscheduled time out during the race to refuel on wine and Camembert on cafe stops in the villages of France - they will still appreciate the central place food and drink have in the history of the race.

And Le Pop-up is putting the food focus firmly on the best of Britain and the best of France , with scones, jam and croissants plus barbecued treats on offer among a range of hot and cold food. Hot drinks and bottled water will be complemented, in true cycling-fan fashion, by draught beers and wines.

Part of the proceeds are to go towards the village hall fund.

The Coniston's general manager Norbert Stump said he expected the team at Le Pop-Up to be very busy: "It's the first time the Tour de France has come to Yorkshire and the first time we've taken The Coniston food service operation on the road like this.

" We're pleased to get into the spirit of the Tour and ensure that all fans on that part of the route are fed and watered while they enjoy the race."

Fed and watered they will be, with Le Pop-up's menu catering for all tastes - breakfasts of bacon butties and croissants, for example, and French pastries or scones with jam and cream for later in the day. Burgers, sausages and soup with rolls will be available throughout. As well as two draught beers and Pimms, Le Pop-Up will have red, white and rose wines available.

Because of road closures, fans heading for Kettlewell are advised to arrive before 6am on the Saturday. As well as the live action heading their way, fans will also be able to see the race unfold on televisions in the village hall.

The Coniston is also offering Tour fans a 'park and cycle' facility, where for £10 per car customers can park at the hotel and take their bikes to see the race at Skipton, Hetton or other points on the route.

PIC CAPTION: The Coniston Hotel's general manager Norbert Stump and hotel director Louise Bolton