It was intended as an unusual garden ornament.

But now a lovingly-restored vintage bicycle is a Netherton couple’s homage to the Tour de France, which hits town in the summer.

Roy and Jean Farmer hope the bike will prove an eye-catching feature in the garden when the world’s top riders race through Huddersfield in July.

The couple plan to be on the route of the race in Berry Brow, less than a mile from their home, with cycle mad friends.

They also hope that many people will enjoy seeing postcards, letter seals and keyrings of the flamboyant bike, painted a vivid yellow in Tour de France colours.

Mrs Farmer, head teacher at Newsome Junior School, and her husband spotted similar bikes on show in the Italian village of Salo, on Lake Garda, when they went on holiday.

Many were exhibited outside shops, garlanded with flowers.

Mr Farmer said: “When we returned I searched eBay and I managed to find and old Hercules ladies bicycle, dating back to the 1960s.

“It was in a shocking state, covered in rust, but we thought we could turn it into a garden ornament.

“Then we heard the news about the Tour de France coming through Huddersfield and decided to make it a real feature.

“It took a lot of hard work to get rid of the rust and we then painted every part of it bright yellow.

“Jean is doing a lot of work about the Tour with her classes at school and she has produced a lot of craft items featuring the bike as part of that project.

“We have friends coming dwon from Scotland in the summer who are really keen cyclists and we will be making sure we get a good spot when the race comes past on Woodhead Road.

“It’s going to be a great event and hopefully our bike will make people smile”

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