A literary society – believed to be the earliest in the English-speaking world – is celebrating its 120th birthday.

A special cake marking the Bronte Society milestone was produced for visitors to the Parsonage museum in Haworth on Monday.

Professor Ann Sumner, the society’s executive director, said: “We wish all our members a very happy 120th birthday.

“It was wonderful to see so many visitors on Monday, who enjoyed our cake.

“We are delighted the society is flourishing, and are looking forward to a year of exciting activity to mark the special anniversary.

“We have a long and fascinating history, as well as great opportunities ahead – we celebrate the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte in 2016.”

More than 50 people attended the first meeting in Bradford of the Bronte Society, which now has members across the world.

A national programme of special activities marking the anniversary – including lectures, panel discussions and pop-up activities – will be launched at an event in London on February 19.