Figures revealed the number of spectators to take to the streets when the Tour of Britain cycle race came to Altrincham.

The town welcomed 50,000 supporters when it welcomed Stage One, the Grand Départ, of the event around two months ago.

This is more than the number of spectators to attend the start of any other stage, of which there were eight across England and Wales, according to the organisers of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Cath Hynes, deputy leader of Trafford Council, and Mandy White, manager of Altrincham Business Improvement District (BID), said it was a big boost to businesses due to an increase in footfall.

Cllr Hynes said: "It was amazing and I am delighted so many people were able to come to watch. Altrincham has so much to offer so we were delighted to have a chance to showcase it to so many people."

Ms White said: "It was fantastic to welcome this high-profile, international event to the town. It provides exposure and it provides a benefit to businesses."

Stage One, the Grand Départ, was between Altrincham and the city centre but it took in all of the boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Almost 100 riders processed through Market Street then started the cycle race once into the countryside to the south of the town.

They rode anti-clockwise around all of the boroughs of Greater Manchester with highlights including climbs on Grains Bar and Ramsbottom Rake.

The winner was Olav Kooij, of Jumbo-Visma, after the Dutchman sprinted to success on Deansgate. Wout van Aert, of Jumbo-Visma, and Sam Bennett, of Bora-Hansgrohe, were in second and third.

Van Aert went on to win the Tour of Britain as a whole followed by Tobias Johannessen, of Uno-X, and Damien Howson, of Q36.5.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.