A CATHEDRAL has signed up its latest corporate partner.

Brewin Dolphin, one of the country’s largest investment management firms, has joined Durham Cathedral’s corporate partner scheme.

The agreement means Brewin Dolphin will support the Cathedral’s five-year £7m development plan, aimed at increasing its role in North-East life through music and worship, heritage and conservation, learning and discovery and outreach and engagement.

A total of £1.1m has been raised so far.

Jamie Matheson, executive chairman of Brewin Dolphin, said: "We are pleased to support this World Heritage Site as we strongly identify with the Cathedral’s traditional objectives of contributing to the local, national and international community we serve."

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said: "I am delighted that Brewin Dolphin is to be the latest of Durham Cathedral’s corporate partners.

"We have already enjoyed wonderful hospitality at Brewin Dolphin’s London office: it is very good to know that Durham Cathedral has champions and friends in the capital.

"I am very grateful for Brewin Dolphin’s support and we all look forward to a fruitful partnership in the year ahead."

Other corporate partners include rail firm Chester-le-Track, restaurant Oldfields Noted Eating Houses, water supplier Northumbrian Water, minerals and transport operator Hargreaves Services and Durham Markets Company.