Young people are being invited to help breathe new life into a school room built by the father of three of the most famous writers in literary history.

They are being challenged to produce a poem, piece of writing or art work inspired by the Old School Room in Haworth.

It is being sponsored by Shipley-based Cellar Project, which helps people with mental health problems get back to work, and Haworth church-based Bronte Spirit, which aims to improve facilities and to make it a centre of cultural and community activities.

The school room, almost opposite the famous Bronte Parsonage museum, was built by the Reverend Patrick Bronte, father to authors Emily, Anne and Charlotte, and opened in 1832.

His three daughters and their brother Branwell taught at the school which catered especially for the poor of the parish. The competition “Patrick’s Grand Design” is to honour his contribution to local life and encourage his spirit of creativity.

Marilyn Beech, of the Cellar Project, said a letter had gone out to schools and colleges inviting them to take part.

“We are inviting young people to record with words, or in picture, the school room as it is now, or their vision of how they would like it to be when it is renovated,”she said.

Bronte Spirit chairman Averil Kenyon said the aim was to give members of the Cellar Project opportunity to get real-life work experience in a new cafe in the building.

She said: “The school room is one of the most important historical buildings in the area and must be conserved for the future.

“It’s a tribute to Patrick Bronte’s work in the village which was impressive. He built this school to educate the poor and he was involved in improving the water supply as well.”

A feasibility study funded by the Lottery has highlighted the work that needed doing including restoring the roof and the internal layout.

“Now we have to raise money. We are hoping the building’s connection with Patrick will encourage people world wide to help us,” Mrs Kenyon added.

The competition – closing date July 1 – has two categories “Recording the Past” and “Designing the Future” and three age groups.

The winning entries will be displayed in this year’s Summer Exhibition at The Old School Room alongside archive photographs and the architect’s drawings for the renovation.