Dame Judi Dench accepts Bronte Society role

Dame Judi Dench has been appointed the new honorary president of the Bronte Society as it marks the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte's birth. The actress, who appeared in the 2011 film of Bronte's Jane Eyre, said she was "delighted" to be offered the role. "It will be an honour to work with the society to promote [the Brontes'] legacy," continued the 81-year-old.  Chair John Thirlwell said the society was "thrilled" and could "think of no better person" to be its president. Dame Judi, who was born near York, will be officially voted in at the society's annual general meeting in June.

Her appointment follows a tumultuous period for the organisation and last year's resignation of its former president, Bonnie Greer. bbc./news