A tourist shrine has won a top award for its work in encouraging a love of classical literature in youngsters.

The Bront Society, custodian of the world-famous Bront Parsonage Museum, at Haworth, has received the Sandford Award, especially for its multi-cultural programme.

Other winners include Blenheim Palace, the Tower of London and Canterbury Cathedral.

The museum was praised by the judges for introducing the world of the tragic Bront family to youngsters in inner-city schools in Bradford.

Spearheading the work is Bront Society education officer, Andrew McCarthy.

"We are absolutely delighted. It is the top award to get in terms of museum education. It is a reflection of the work we have been carrying out over the last 18 months.

"Our education programme is about making the Bronts accessible to everyone and making the Parsonage an inspiring place to visit."

The programme was given a boost by a £8,500 government grant especially for the multi-cultural work.

It was provided to develop a project to attract pupils at schools with an ethnic majority, many from Bradford, who would not normally come across the Bronts, said Mr McCarthy.

A series of workshops, including drama-based activities, were devised based around Emily Bront's Wuthering Heights.

"Two judges came in June and watched one of the schools involved in the work, interviewed us and looked at our education provision and resources," he added.

A spokesman for the Sandford Award said the awards were made annually to recognise the provision of quality education in historic houses, museums and galleries.

"If only one child, inspired by the excellent educational opportunities available at the home of the Bront family, turns to a successful career in the literary world, then that is a great achievement.

"Many more will have their imagination stirred by the experiences and turn to the classics for sheer enjoyment of the written word."

A national presentation of the awards will be held at one of the winning properties, next spring. The awards are held for five years.