A Cullingworth couple are gearing-up for next year’s Tour de France.

Paul and Sandra Corcoran, who run Pennine Cycles, had a visit from representatives of their bank.

And ways of maximising benefits from the world-famous cycle race’s Grand Depart, which comes to the area in July, were discussed.

Barclays’ north-east head of business banking, Caroline Pullich, who lives at Oakworth, and head of corporate affairs, Karen Swainston, spent a day at Pennine Cycles.

Mrs Corcoran said: “We’ve been in planning mode for next year for some time now, and we asked Caroline and Karen to come and spend the day with us so they can fully understand our business and the issues we face on a day-to-day basis.”

The Barclays duo helped out with a range of duties, from changing inner tubes to serving customers.

Mrs Pullich said: “We are committed to finding out more about our clients’ business to help them achieve their ambitions.

“With the Grand Depart coming to Yorkshire in 2014, it’s more important than ever for businesses to be working closely with their banks to look at the opportunities this amazing sporting event will bring.”

Pennine Cycles, established in 1946 as Whittaker and Mapplebeck and based in Bradford, specialises in providing racing frames and custom-built bikes across the world.