TIME has stood still at Haworth – but that will all change on Sunday!

The historic four-faced clock in the tower of the village's parish church has not worked since late March, when the volunteer responsible for winding the timepiece had to go into self-isolation.

But Jens Hislop, who has looked after the clock on behalf of the church for years, is to once again climb the tower staircase and will bring the mechanism back to life.

It is anticipated the clock's chimes will start ringing out across the village again at 11.30am on Sunday.

The clock has been part of the tower for almost 150 years.

Like other places of worship across the country, Haworth Parish Church – famously associated with the Brontes and where most of the family is interred – has been closed during the coronavirus lockdown.

However, it will be reopening ­– on a limited basis – from Monday.

Anyone wanting to spend time observing private contemplation and prayer will be able to access the church between 6pm and 8pm on Mondays and 11am and 1pm on Fridays.

The Rev Peter Mullins, rector of the Haworth and Cross Roads Benefice, said: "Haworth Parish Church is normally left open all day and is heavily visited as the burial place of Charlotte and Emily Bronte in particular.

"But Government regulations for reopening for private prayer specifically say we cannot open for tourists, so handling this is a particular challenge for us.

"Nevertheless, we are delighted that we are once again able to offer the opportunity for people who feel the need to pray to have some time within the church."

The same facilities are being offered at St Gabriel’s in Stanbury on Saturdays, from 2pm to 4pm, while at Cross Roads Parish Church private prayer will be available on Wednesdays between 9am and 11am.

Yesterday, St Anne's Church in Keighley announced it is now opening daily after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The church, in North Street, is opening its doors between 10am and noon Monday to Saturday and from noon to 2pm on Sundays.

Strict social distancing and hygiene regulations are in place.

A team of volunteer stewards is directing people to appropriate seats and ensuring all surfaces are sanitised.

Canon Michael McCreadie, parish priest of Our Lady of Victories and St Anne’s, said he was delighted the church was open again.

“All are invited to come to this sacred space for peace and consolation and we continue to pray for all our NHS health workers,” he added.