HAWORTH'S Brontë Parsonage Museum has been shortlisted for a top tourism award.

The building and its staff is one of seven locations listed in the "Large Attraction of the Year" category of this year's White Rose Awards.

It is the only place in the Keighley and Worth Valley area to reach this stage of the competition in 2017.

Kitty Wright, executive director at the parsonage, said: “We are all immensely proud that the museum has been shortlisted in the Large Attraction of the Year category.

"Our fantastic staff, both front of house and across the rest of the organisation, all work very hard to share the fascinating Brontë story and ensure our visitors have an unforgettable experience.

"We were delighted with our discretionary Highly Commended award last year, and hope this year brings us even greater success.”

In its category the parsonage is up against six competing attractions in Ripon, Bradford, Wetherby, Leyburn and Hawes.

The White Rose Awards are the biggest celebration of tourism in the UK and recognise the very best businesses in Yorkshire.

A total of 17 categories cover everything from hotels to holiday parks, pubs to producers and arts to attractions.

About 1,000 people will attend a glitzy award ceremony later this year, when the winners and runners up will be announced.

Colin Mellors, chairman of the White Rose Award judges, said: “Yorkshire’s tourism businesses are truly exceptional – bringing large numbers of visitors and income to the region and enhancing our reputation at home and abroad.

“The sector goes from strength to strength and many of its established stars feature on this year’s White Rose shortlist alongside some welcome new additions."

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The quality of this year’s entries has been exceptional and makes me feel hugely proud of all the brilliant work going on in tourism in the county.

"It’s an honour to be part of these awards that recognise the many businesses and organisations that make Yorkshire such an amazing destination."