The author who bought the "forgotten" birthplace of the Bronte children in Bradford is appealing for volunteers to help the public who enjoy it.

Four years ago Barbara Whitehead moved to the house in Market Street, Thornton, where Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne were born in the 1800s.

She bought the property which was largely untouched by tourism for £100,000 after she sold her bungalow in York when her husband died. She turned the building into one house again after it had been divided into two.

Mrs Whitehead's 15 novels include one called Charlotte Bronte and Her Dearest Nell.

Now she plans to open the house to the public on Sundays and Tuesdays from noon to 4pm between April 1 and September 30.

"I have some very good volunteers but need more help, including administration. The house has given me a lot of pleasure and the payments from visitors go towards its restoration," she said.

"The structure and size of the rooms are the same and much of the building is as it was. I am looking for a successor, such as a charitable or educational organisation but in the meantime I use it as my home."

Nine years ago a newly-formed trust made a bid to take over the grade II listed building and turn it into a museum and writing centre.

But the trust was unable to go ahead and Mrs Whitehead's purchase ended wide scale speculation about its future.

Today, Conservative ward councillor, Valerie Binnie, said: "We want to raise the profile of the Bronte birthplace because it never seems to get a mention. I don't think it has ever been promoted as it should have been. I hope volunteers will come forward to help give it the recognition it deserves."

Anyone interested in helping Mrs Whitehead is asked to call Bradford 830849 or write to her at 72/74 Market Street, Thornton.