AN events company with roots in Barnoldswick has been appointed to look after crowd control in Craven for the summer’s Grand Depart of the Tour de France.

Pennine Events, charged with event and crowd management for the whole of North Yorkshire, was chosen because of its previous experience with the Tour when it last came to the UK in 2007, passing from London to Canterbury.

The company, founded 12 years ago, will carry out non-race risk assessments, provide advice and give an overview into the planning before the race, which is due to pass through Craven on July 5 and 6.

Mark Sandamas, director of Pennine Events and a Barnoldswick resident, said: “This is a very similar role to the one we played in 2007 for Kent County Council and for which we received a commendation from the Metropolitan Police.

“We are delighted that seven years after the Tour de France was last in England we are once again involved with the world’s biggest annual sporting event.”

Pennine Events has been appointed by North Yorkshire County Council, and will work with Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council.

“Our company prides itself on producing quality events and when it comes to the Tour de France it is very important we produce plans that reflect the high profile event,” said Mr Sandamas, who is a keen cyclist. “We will be working very hard to ensure spectators are kept safe during the event and providing North Yorkshire Council with the experience that we gained working in 2007 as well as the hundreds of events we have designed and run since.”

Pennine Events has also managed the Pendle Cycle Festival, Pedal for Scotland and Ride with Brad, with Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The route through Craven is: Stage 1, Saturday July 5. Start in Leeds and pass through Harewood, Otley, Ilkley, Draughton, Skipton, Rylstone, Cracoe, Threshfield, Kilnsey, Kettlewell, Buckden, Aysgarth, Hawes, Reeth, Leyburn, Ripon and finish in Harrogate.

Stage 2, Sunday July 6. Start in York and pass through Beamsley and Bolton Abbey,h Silsden, Keighley, Haworth, Hebden Bridge, Elland, Huddersfield, Holmfirth to finish in Sheffield.