An accountancy firm is continuing its support for a theatre.

Azets, which has offices in Fareham and Romsey, has agreed to another year of corporate sponsorship for the charity Play to the Crowd, which runs the Theatre Royal Winchester.

The firm will also support the Hat Fair and Playmakers community programmes, including a youth theatre.

The theatre, with its 400-seat auditorium, stands as a landmark in Winchester.

Azets will have a presence at venue networking events and be acknowledged in brochures, on digital foyer screens, and in programmes.

Dean Weale, a partner based at Azets’ Winchester office, said: "We are at the very heart of the Winchester business community and Theatre Royal is the premier arts venue in the city.

"We are pleased to support this forward-looking charity which plays such a large role in the life of our colleagues and clients, so it was an easy decision to sign on the line for continued sponsorship in the form of corporate membership.

"Not only are we able to give something back to the city we serve, but also help raise awareness of the excellent work the charity carries out in our city to benefit so many people.

"Play to the Crowd is part of the fabric of the city and we are gratified to be able to play a small part in its leadership role in cultural development and partnerships in Winchester, across Hampshire and beyond."

The Theatre Royal Winchester, which began as the Market Hotel in 1850, was converted into a theatre in 1912, and into a cinema in 1922.

It survived a closure threat in the late 1970s, underwent major refurbishment at the turn of the century, and is now run by a charitable trust.

The upcoming season at the theatre features a variety of performers and shows.

These include Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland, comedians Harry Hill and Ed Byrne, jazz singer Claire Teal, and Julia Donaldson's Room on the Broom.

Azets, the UK's largest regional accountancy and specialist business advisor to SMEs, has its Winchester office at Athenia House in Andover Road, near the railway station.