Companies which trade off the famous literary Bronte name are being asked to pay for the privilege.

Richard Wilcocks, chairman of the Bronte Society, has written cap-in-hand to 36 firms nationwide.

He wants them to make a pledge to help the guardians of the Bronte Parsonage Museum, the literary shrine in Haworth, stay financially sound.

Last year about 70,000 people visited the museum, a fall of about 10,000 on the year before. It resulted in a loss on the year of about £100,000, about £26,000 of which was rescued from the financial reserves.

"We are all right for the next few years but it is debatable how long we can go on dipping into the reserves," said Mr Wilcocks.

"People are worried and we don't want the reserves to become dangerously depleted. We are not there at the moment but there is a steady drip, drip."

He believes the companies that use the name Bronte, and gain prestige from it, should be prepared to help. "I'm not naming and shaming. I do not wish to reveal publicly the people I have written to. Very few companies have been in touch and even less have given us anything by way of sponsorship or financial help.

"There are dozens of them in Britain alone making or supplying a range of products, from stone to spring water and from outdoor clothing to cooked chicken."

His letter stresses the Parsonage gets no direct Government assistance and relies on the generosity of supporters and visitors.

He tells the company bosses: "I am inviting you to make a donation, which would be gratefully received and publicly acknowledged. Your company could sponsor an appropriate artefact, a special event, an exhibition or a children's workshop."

There are at least 27 companies in the Bradford area which use the name Bronte, ranging from one-person outfits to larger employers. Ian Cowling, boss of Old Bear Brewery in Keighley, whose latest brew is Duke of Bronte ale, was one of the first to pledge to help. He said: "We actively used the name because of what it represents and we feel that both products complement each other. If we get sales revenue by using the name, it's only fair that we should try to help and we will."

Ken Jackson, who runs Bronte Care Services in Cullingworth, said he had chosen the name because his company worked in Bronte country. "If we can support the Bronte Society in any way we will in relation to the size of our company," he said.

Steven Warrington, who lives in Oxenhope and runs Bronte Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, said he would consider making a donation. He said: "Yes, I'm interested. It depends on how much - we are only a small company - but we would look at it if we were approached."

Bronte Water, which bottles its spring water in Haworth, already supports the Parsonage, said a spokesman. She said: "We advertise in its magazine and supply the Parsonage with a water cooler. We are in the heart of Bronte country and don't feel we are exploiting the name."

Any other companies which want to help the Society's appeal can contact Mr Wilcock on 07940 476455 or the museum on (01535) 642323.