Key focal points for the thousands of Tour de France spectators due to descend on Keighley district this July have now been confirmed.

Victoria Park, in Keighley, and Central Park at Haworth – plus Riverside Gardens, Ilkley – will all be official spectator hubs for the July 5 and 6 weekend.

The locations have been carefully chosen to help people congregate safely, while watching the opening stages of the world's greatest annual sporting event for free.

The company in charge of co-ordinating the spectator hubs, Tour de France Hub 2014 Ltd, has revealed that there will be a total of 17 hubs at different points along the route. Each will display the race on a giant television screen.

The Victoria Park site, which can hold around 4,500 people, will be organised for July 5 and 6. As well as the big screen, it will feature a funfair and disabled facilities and toilets.

Space will be limited at the popular Central Park site in Haworth, where the riders will be facing a steep hill climb. In addition to the existing amenities in the village, the park will accommodate a big screen, food stalls selling local produce, activities for children, and disabled access.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for sport, said: "The hubs are the ideal place to relax and enjoy this fantastic spectacle.

"These three sites tick all the boxes for a great family day out, and people will be able to watch the whole race while soaking up the amazing atmosphere."

Other spectator events are being hosted by town and parish councils and community groups.

Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of Tour de France Hub 2014, said: "Grand Depart spectator hubs are the perfect places to catch this world-class sporting event."

* Full story in this week's Keighley News