Sir, – I was sorry to see Joe Willis having a whinge (Dales Life, D&S, July 11) about TV coverage of the Tour de France. They may have got a few castles in the wrong place, but the commentary raved about the scenery, the enthusiasm of Yorkshire folk, the organisation of the whole affair including camping in the fields, promise of heather on the hills later in the year – in fact, we had a free five-hour advertisement for the joys of the Dales, watched worldwide. My friends in the US watched it twice, on two networks.

We didn’t see the peloton going through Hawes because it didn’t...

it turned right at Town Foot and we saw that. But earlier in the week ITV showed Hawes market place in all its glory – little Fergie dressed in flowers, and no fewer than 175 hanging baskets, as well as all kinds of imaginative flower containers.

One man’s inspiration, Richard Noble, got the community to make the town the prettiest of all those around the route, a picture in red and white. The crowds who gathered in every village will come back to enjoy local attractions for years to come.

Bainbridge was only shown for a few seconds, but the 450 yellow wood bikes made by Neil McNair at Low Mill and seen all up Wensleydale made an impression on all who passed by, and raised thousands for the air ambulance. Someone came and bought mine for a further £10 the day after the event, so more money into our community efforts.

Hawes is already thinking about next year’s colour scheme for its baskets.

That’s an example of the longterm effects of the Tour. Of course, we are having to put up with a few hold-ups as cyclists on our narrow lanes try to emulate their heroes, but let’s not whinge, Joe.

SYLVIA CROOKES Bainbridge.