A church which will be forever linked with the Bronte family is set to receive a major upgrade to its “ancient” heating system.

The works will form part of the next phase of the ongoing renovation programme at Haworth Parish Church.

The Rev Peter Mayo-Smith, priest-in- charge at the historic church, said the current inefficient heating would be replaced in the next few months with a more effective and eco-friendly system.

“This will provide a background level of heating, so we can avoid the big swings in temperature which harm the fabric of the building,” he said.

“The money is in place to sort out the heating.

“The church’s south roof has been done, and we’ve put an application into the Heritage Lottery Fund for the work needed on the north roof.

"We estimate that will cost between £200,000 and £220,000. If our application is successful, we can start the surveys and the work will be done in 2015.”

He said an appeal to raise enough cash to refurbish the church had generated more than £300,000 so far.

“I’m delighted with the response we’ve had from the village,” he said.

“Local people seem to be behind the project. At the end of the day, it belongs to them, it’s their church.”

The Haworth Church Restoration Fund will receive a further boost on April 5, when the church hosts a fundraising concert staged by a top choir from North Wales.

A 25-strong group from the City of Bangor Male Voice Choir will make the trip to Haworth for the concert. The event is being arranged by the Friends of the Brontes’ Church support group.

The visiting choir will offer a mixed programme featuring well-known Welsh hymn tunes as well as some songs from England.

Jeff Chaplain, chairman of the Friends of the Brontes’ Church, said: “We’re looking forward to hearing the choir sing.

"Welsh choirs have a wonderful reputation for their music and we’re sure that the sound they produce will fill our church with wonderful harmonies and melodies.

“We’re really grateful that they are allowing us to use the money raised from the concert for the benefit of the church. That’s a wonderful gesture.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Entry will cost £5 for adults and £3 for children, students and senior citizens.