'I've cycled all over England - but this Yorkshire icon is my favourite place to stop on a ride'

What’s your first Yorkshire memory?

I was born in Stockton on Tees just after it has ceased to be within Yorkshire, and we moved to Leeds when I must have been around a year old.

The first thing I have in my mind is being sent to a pre-school facility, where the lady in charge (to my three-years-old mind) resembled Grotbags the With, who was a popular figure on children’s TV back then. I won’t say any more on that subject.

But I also recall passing (on the way to the hall where the preschool was held) what must have been the tiniest police station ever, which only seemed to have one room with one hinged desk in it.

I believe that it later became a pub? We went in there to report a burglary.

What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?

The Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors, the towns of Ilkley and Skipton, and the Wensleydale Cheese factory in Hawes, where I can get off my cycle for a break, and have a cheeky toasted cheese sandwich.

What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?

Shopping with the girls (my wife Natalie, and daughters Evie, 12 and Issy, 17) in places like Skipton or Scarborough, where we like the North Beach, and have often stayed there in an Airbnb. A real family time together.

Do you have a favourite cycle-ride – or view?

Off and away and up into The Dales, across to Hawes, over to Aysgarth Falls (stunning at any time of the year), rest up and admiring the countryside, just taking stock, then over to Middleham, which has everything, history and a really nice steep climb for a rider.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

I’ve been trying extremely hard to get a meeting in real life with the wonderful Alistair Brownlee, to talk about some fundraising events we’re planning, but our times haven’t coincided as yet.

I admire and him and his brother so very much, for their athleticism, their tenacity and their courage. They are an example to us all.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, or past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

The incomparable Sean Bean. Great actor, straight-talking, down-to-earth, and such a dry sense of humour. Not to mention possibly one of the finest Yorkshire accents in the county – he’s unmistakable.

If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem,’ what would it be?

There’s a tiny village just outside Bolton Abbey – blink and you’ll miss it – and it’s the perfect picture of what our countryside should be.

A stunning medieval bridge across the River Wharfe, a couple of places to stay, and a few houses. Say “Burnsall” and you have Yorkshire countryside, the rural dream, to perfection.

If you could own, or have access to, one thing in Yorkshire for a single day, what would that object or place be?

Please may I have the keys to the Wensleydale Dairy, in Hawes, and permission for me and a small group of friends, to eat as much of their cheese as is possible? And if someone can also arrange for me to learn how to make the delicious stuff, I’ll be even more happy!

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The scenery, the Dales, the Moors, the people. Yorkshire folk take the time to stop and chat, and they are super-friendly as well. Generous to a fault, and with an accent that is recognisable where-ever you go.

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

I always watch out for Tom Pidcock, the incredibly talented young cyclist, to see what he’s up to – the same with Ed Clancy.

I like boxing, the Brownlee brothers, and anyone who really gives their all for their sport, whatever the level. As long as you put in the effort, it’s great by me.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

Hickory’s have a few branches around, and they do South American and Texan style food. Always tasty.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

On a cycle ride, you do tend to grab food as and when you can, just to keep up your energy levels, but I do like going to places such as Blacker Hall Farm, and Cannon Hall Farmshop. Lovely people, fresh food, the best meats, and staff who know what they are talking about.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you’ve known it?

Please don’t get me going about the appalling potholes all over the place, and on many major roads as well as the smaller ones.

They don’t seem to bother with the right stuff to infill these days, it’s always cheapo gravel, which lifts as soon as it is put down.

On the positive side, there’s far more diversity, and I love the way that we lead the way in having more micro-breweries and craft gin distilleries than anywhere else.

Yorkshire sees some trades that are fading, and always transitions into something that is fresh and innovative.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

The self-taught lad from a tiny hamlet near Whitby, who because one of the world’s most famous explorers, navigators and superb cartographers, Captain James Cook. An inspiration to us all.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Most definitely – in that I am always inspired by the countryside, the green lushness of the place, and the encouragement from its people. If the weather could be just slightly improved, I wouldn’t argue, however.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

Def Leppard as they bring back so many happy memories of my late teenage years, and the Kaiser Chiefs, for their originality and brilliant music-making. One of the genuinely great bands of all time.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?

I’d get them a good bike, and take them for a long ride across the North York Moors, it’s one of the best treks in the world. All those lovely little villages, and some steep climbs. Not to mention views to take your breath away, and luminous green woodland.

To donate to this fundraiser, and for further information, click here.