The Bronte Parsonage Museum is closed to the public throughout January – but it is the busiest time of the year for staff.

Workers have only a few weeks to check every item in the Haworth museum and prepare new displays.

The museum’s closed season will this year last longer than usual, until at least February 20. Collections manager Ann Dinsdale said: “We’re updating the foyer and shopping area to improve our service to visitors.

“People can only come in through the front door of the Parsonage, so they’re exposed to the elements if they have to queue.

“In future they will be able to buy a ticket at the desk in the foyer then make their way round to the front, so they can still get the experience of going through the front door.

“We also have our exhibition upstairs which tells the stories of the Brontes’ lives and how they came to write their works. We change some of items on display each year.”