Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has been announced as a patron of the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London's oldest purpose built consistently operating cinema.

Cumberbatch, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, called for people to 'keep supporting independent cinema', and said the Phoenix is a 'special place' with a 'fantastic sense of community'. Cumberbatch - who was also recently revealed as the face of MG Motors in China - is set to attend events, screenings and Q&As at the cinema as part of his role as patron.