Canterbury-based Pharon Independent Financial Advisers Limited first opened for business in 1973.

And the firm is marking its 40th anniversary with a financial boost for the city's culture.

Pharon has announced that it will be supporting the Philharmonia Orchestra’s next three seasons as resident orchestra at the Marlowe Theatre.

The Philharmonia is currently in its second season at the Marlowe, and Pharon's chairman Roger O’Shea and director Nicholas O’Shea attended its most recent concert at the theatre last week, which featured one of Britain’s greatest conductors, Sir Andrew Davis.

Roger O’Shea said: “We are delighted to be renewing our support in this way. This is a wonderful orchestra which provides community-wide benefits."

Director of residencies at the Philharmonia, James Williams, described Pharon’s three-year pledge as a 'remarkable achievement' in the current financial climate.

He said: "This offers both our organisations the rare opportunity of stability, thereby enabling us to plan with confidence three future seasons of concerts at the Marlowe featuring the very finest artists and repertoire that the Philharmonia Orchestra has to offer.”

The Philharmonia’s next concert at the Marlowe Theatre is on Friday, October 18 and features conductor Vladimir Ashkesnazy. Call 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com

For information on Pharon Independent Financial Advisers Limited visit www.pharon.co.uk