A PHOTOJOURNALIST'S behind-the-scenes project to 'capture the heart and soul' of Yorkshire’s Grand Depart will culminate with the launch next week of a reportage-style photo journal.

Jude Palmer shadowed Welcome to Yorkshire for 12 months as it prepared for the world's greatest cycle race to arrive in the region, attending over 50 shoots day and night, right through to the race weekend and finish in Paris, filing over 5,000 images.

Since returning from Paris she has been busy selecting shots and collaborating with Harrogate creative studio, The Lift Agency.

Entitled ‘The Grandest Depart’ – words famously quoted by Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme about Yorkshire’s celebrations – the artistic journal features full colour and black and white images covering the event.

Jude said: “The last year of my life has been all about the Tour de France. I have been consumed with it and loved every moment.

"I hope I have captured the heart and soul of this historic event for Yorkshire - that was my aim, and I could have filled ten books!”

Jude and Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity will launch the book at a private champagne reception at Harewood House – the iconic starting point of the Tour de France 2014 – on Tuesday .