An initiative to restore a historic Haworth building has received a £2,500 boost.

Worth Valley ward councillors have allocated the money from the ward investment fund to support Bronte Spirit, which is campaigning to ensure the long-term future of the Old School Room.

The Church Street building, which requires major repairs and renovations, was built by the Reverend Patrick Bronte.

The money was made available by councillors Glen Miller, Rebecca Poulsen and Russell Brown.

Coun Miller said: “We were keen to support this project as it still has a long way to go. We’ve given it some start-up costs.”

Averil Kenyon, chairman of Bronte Spirit, said she and her colleagues were delighted with this financial backing. We are overwhelmed, it was just so timely,” she said.

She added that the money would help with the costs of drawing up a business plan, needed as part of an application for further funding.

Her group has staged a pair of open days to give local business people and community leaders a chance to see what potential the property has as a venue.