Action is being taken to protect a listed building where the Bronte sisters and their brother taught, as campaigners prepare a bid to restore the famous building.

The Keighley area committee has stepped in to help finance a new boiler at the Old Schoolroom in Haworth. It is being fitted to protect it over the winter – the old boiler is irreparable – as guardians of the building prepare to raise up to £250,000 towards the £1 million restoration.

They are now preparing bids to meet the balance of the cost to construct a roof, fit windows, install toilets and a kitchen and re-configure the inside.

Helping spearhead the project is John Collinson and Averil Kenyon of Haworth Church-based Bronte Spirit which has taken on the project.

The building, constructed by the Reverend Patrick Bronte, father of the famous sister novelists, Emily, Anne and Charlotte, in 1832, is owned by the church.

His three daughters and their brother Branwell taught at the school which catered especially for the poor of the parish. Mr Collinson said the project was expected to be completed within about two years.

The schoolroom was constructed in three phases – the original in 1832 and the others in 1850 and 1870.

Mrs Kenyon 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.”

It was opened throughout August with an exhibition of photographs of old Haworth and attracted about 2,700 people, which campaigners say illustrates interest in the building.

Keighley Councillor Glen Miller, chairman of Keighley area committee, said: “All three ward members agreed to help fund the boiler because this is a self-help group and needs support.”

It became a weekday school in 1843 when he secured another grant for a salaried teacher and it closed as a school in 1903.