Le Tour: Narrowboat businesses flock to Hebden Bridge

The Rochdale Canal is filled with decorated narrowboats selling fudge, antiques and many other things, but many have travelled thousands of miles to get here to be a part of the Tour de France atmosphere.

The Fudge Boat, owned by Heather and Tony Gregory, situated opposite Calder Holmes Park, has travelled around England for 12 years but the couple have never moored in Hebden Bridge.

Tony, said: “We can feel the excitement and it is so wonderful. Everyone is making such a big effort to make it a successful day.

“Hopefully we can get a bit of business from the visitors.”

Tim Smith, from Coventry, runs an antiques shop on his boat.

“We are here to enjoy the race and that is why we came.”