A FIRM of accountants is the latest company to put its weight behind efforts to transform Taunton into a major centre for world-class culture, entertainment and leisure.

Milsted Langdon is the latest in a growing group of commercial sponsors supporting ArtsTaunton.

Other leading leading sponsors include waste managers Viridor, law firm Clarke Willmott, property insurance claims specialists Claims Consortium Group and agricultural and estate agents Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Jonathan Langdon, founder and chairman of Milsted Langdon, who joins the ArtsTaunton board of management and trustees, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of a great team.

"All of us are determined to make our town a unique destination for the arts, entertainment and tourism.

"Because vast swathes of Taunton are poised for redevelopment, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something truly spectacular.

"Situated, as we are, at the heart of the West Country with its excellent road and rail network, this is an opportunity to raise our sights, show some real aspiration and vision, and make Taunton worthy of its status as Somerset’s county town."

ArtsTaunton’s chairman Kit Chapman said: “With his acute business mind and his passion for the arts, Jonathan will be a real asset to our campaign.

"Above all, he shares our commitment to help the Taunton Theatre Association realise its ambitions for an architecturally iconic 'new' Brewhouse at Coal Orchard, for the development of public art and sculpture, and for innovative landscaping in the town.

"Elsewhere in Britain, the transformative power of the arts has demonstrated its ability to regenerate town centres. The time for Taunton is now."