Journalists in Leeds are organising a welcome bash for the 2,000 media workers due to be in the city for next week’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France.

This year’s race will start on Saturday 5 July with a 190km stage across Yorkshire.

Members of the National Union of Journalists in Leeds are organising an informal welcome reception for national and international media at The Midnight Bell on Water Lane in the city.

They have even linked up with a Leeds Brewery to produce a special ale – called ‘Bitter Journo’ –  to mark the occasion.

Branch officers will be on hand at the pub between 2pm and 10.30pm to meet the visitors. They hope those covering Le Tour will call in, even for only a few minutes.

Leeds branch secretary Richard Edwards said the event will also feature ‘good music and good food.’

He said:  “This is a great opportunity to show that union membership is about more than the workplace rights that are so important to all of us.

“It is about fraternity and solidarity – and sharing the fun of the good times as well as standing together on picket lines when we’re forced to do that.

Leeds branch member and NUJ vice-president Adam Christie added: “With all Yorkshire seemingly determined to make a mark on everyone involved in organising the Tour de France, it’s great that NUJ members are contributing to that by extending the warm welcome to journalists and media workers from around the world.”

The media pack is expected to be swelled further following the announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be in the city for the start of the race.