A NUMBER of events celebrating the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte's birth planned for the anniversary April 21.

Not surprisingly there are several events in Haworth, the town most associated with the sisters. The Old School Room, built by Charlotte's father and where here wedding celebration was held, will host a party for the author, with tea, birthday cake and "surprises." The event runs from 10am to 4pm.

The Bronte Parsonage Museum, where Charlotte lived for most of her life, is holding a Celebrating Charlotte event. There will be talks on different aspects of her life and collections manager Ann Dinsdale will show some of Charlotte's possessions, letters and manuscripts.

All activities take place between 10am and 8pm, and are free with admission to the museum.

An exhibition about the author, Charlotte Great and Small by Tracy Chevalier, started earlier this month and runs until the end of the year.

In Thornton, Charlotte's birthplace, the anniversary will be marked with a wreath laying ceremony at St James' Church, near the site of the church Partick Bronte preached in during his time in the village, and where Charlotte was baptised. It takes place between 11am and noon.

The church also hosts Tea With Charlotte between 2pm and 4pm. Former Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd will speak about the author at the event. Tickets cost £5.

Meanwhile, work continues on a replica Bronte Parsonage, being built on Penistone Hill by the BBC as the setting for drama Walk Invisible. Parish Councillors have said the temporary structure would likely become an attraction in its own right, and when the drama is broadcast in winter could bring a tourism boost to the area.