"Bath retains much of architecture from that time, so people come from all round the world to dress up and literally walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen and see the same buildings she saw, " says Mr Lassman.

BBC: Entertainment & Arts

And the same applies to the other members: Jane Ellison, Paul Uppal, Nick Gibb, Peter Lilley and Jake Berry.

BBC: Muzzled?

He said the "Hardy country" brand was boosting tourism in the same way Bath and West Yorkshire benefited from connections with Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.

BBC: Thomas Hardy enthusiasts converge on Dorchester