HELPERS at the Brontë Parsonage Museum have been named the top volunteers in the Yorkshire region.

The education team volunteers at the Haworth museum were the regional winners of the Volunteers For Museum Learning award given by the Marsh Christian Trust.

Lynn Howell, Jacky Howe, Isabel Griffith and Jan Lee fought off stiff competition to win the Yorkshire title.

The volunteers heard the news during a ceremony in London last week held by the trust in partnership with the British Museum.

The awards seek to recognise the valuable contribution made by volunteers in helping museums engage with their visitors.

Sue Newby, the parsonage’s learning officer, said she was delighted the volunteers’ commitment had been recognised.

She added: “We couldn’t deliver such a diverse learning programme at the museum without our talented and hard-working volunteers.

“They give talks, lead walks, sometimes in very challenging weather, provide live interpretation and deliver workshops in drama and creative writing. I’m delighted their commitment has been recognised in this way.”

Jacky Howe, a volunteer for almost four years, said the role was both rewarding and fun.

She added: “We meet people of all ages and nationalities and work closely with Sue to explore new and creative ways of enhancing the visitor experience and sharing the Brontë story.”

Sue Newby and the education team volunteers were presented with certificates and a cheque for £500 during the ceremony at the British Museum last week.