THE BRONTËS, bell-ringing and vintage afternoon tea will be some of the themes of an open day at a Guiseley church.

St Oswald's will be opening its doors as part of the largest heritage festival in the country. Admission to the event is free and there will be exhibitions and children’s activities.

The parents of the famous Brontë sisters of Howarth were married at the church, and a copy of the marriage register will be on display.

Patrick Brontë had been at Cambridge with John Fennell, who became the first minister of the school for the sons of Wesleyan ministers at Woodhouse Grove. Patrick visited the school as an examiner where he met Fennell's niece, Maria Branwell.

The entry in St Oswald's register reads: "29 December 1812. The Revd Patrick Bronte of the Parish of Birstall and Minister of Hartshead-cum-Clifton and Maria Branwell of this parish, Spinster, by William Morgan, Offcg. Minister."

During the open day, bell ringers will be on hand to discuss their art with visitors and to show them around the 'ringing room'. And there will also be the chance to have a closer look at the workings of the three manual Harrison and Harrison organ.

"It’s an opportunity for the community to come in and find out more about some of the hidden gems of this ancient building, which has been at the heart of Guiseley for more than 800 years," said St Oswald’s Rector, the Rev David Pickett.

Visitors will also be able to join history tours with local experts, and younger visitors can have a go at completing 'St Oswald’s Trail'.

Heritage Open Days operates as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Historic England. Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including more than 150 National Trust properties, which waive their entry fees on the Saturday of the Heritage Open Days weekend.

The event in Guiseley takes place from 2pm to 5pm on September 13, and will be followed at 6pm by a traditional service of Choral Evensong with the choir of St Oswald’s. Everyone is welcome at the event and there is no need to book. Organisers say there is plenty of on-street parking, and disabled access is from Church Street.