A NORTH-East accountancy firm has announced a new partnership with Durham Cathedral.

Durham-based firm Clive Owen LLP has signed up as the cathedral's newest corporate partner.

It means the company will contribute to the cathedral's heritage, educational and cultural projects.

Gary Ellis, partner at Clive Owen said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Durham Cathedral. It is an iconic location which welcomes visitors from across the UK and around the world to Durham.

“We have always supported the community in which we live and work and partnering with the cathedral exemplifies this. We are very lucky to be able to operate our business in this fantastic city. Durham Cathedral contributes so much to the North-East in terms of its heritage, culture and educational opportunities.

“We decided to become a corporate partner after we held a highly successful client event last year to celebrate 21 years in business. Both our clients and our team enjoyed the cathedral experience so much, we decided to put our support of this inspiring building on a more formal footing."

Gaye Kirby, head of development at Durham Cathedral, said: “Having Clive Owen LLP support the cathedral is just fantastic. It is always heart-warming when other businesses share the same passion and enthusiasm for maintaining and caring for the cathedral as we do. We’re excited to work with them going forward.”