A rare chance to see some of the most precious artefacts linked to the Brontes is being offered to enthusiasts.

Over three evenings experts will open areas at the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth not usually accessible to the public.

The ‘behind the scenes’ tours will take place from 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, and Wednesday, May 26.

The museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Bronte manuscripts, letters and artefacts, is not able to offer guided tours during opening hours due to limited space and is only able to display ten per cent of its collection.

Each evening will include a tour of the museum, a visit to the museum’s library and an opportunity to see some of the treasures at close quarters.

The library is not usually open to the public.

It was constructed as part of a Victorian extension to the house in the 1870s.

The tours will have a different theme, including one which will reveal artefacts acquired by the museum in an unusual way.

There will also be the chance to find out more about how the treasures are cared for and to see some of the museum’s most recent acquisitions.

Museum director Andrew McCarthy said: “I’m sure these special evenings will be extremely popular.

“The guided tour will give people a wonderful insight into life at the Parsonage in the Brontes’ time and the chance to see the museum’s unique library and some of the wonderful Bronte treasures it contains. It’s a very special experience indeed. Along with wine and canapés, it will all make for a delightful evening.”

Numbers for the tours would be limited and so early booking was recommended on a first come, first served basis, he added.

Tickets cost £14. Call Sonia Boocock, Bronte Parsonage Museum on (01535) 640192 or by e-mail at sonia.boocock @bronte. org.uk.

* A talk by novelists Jude Morgan and Bronte expert Juliet Barker, due to take place on Thursday, May 13, has been postponed due to illness. It will be rescheduled.