The Bronte Society’s executive director was among speakers during the recent North Kirklees Literary Festival.

Professor Ann Sumner launched the festival at the Red House Museum in Gomersal with a talk about the Brontes’ connection with the railways.

She discussed the journeys the sisters took, their investments in railway shares and the employment of their brother, Branwell, on the railway.

Prof Sumner finally considered the impact the arrival of the railway in Haworth had on literary tourism.

The lecture was followed by a lively question session with an audience that included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and the festival chairman, David Pinder (pictured, above, with Prof Sumner).

Professor Sumner is currently researching the Brontes’ connection to the railway, and will appear on to the programme Great British Railway Journeys next January.