THE AUTOMATIC - GIG PLANNED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BURBERRY 'UNEMPLOYED'

LATEST: A string of Welsh rockers have joined forces to raise money for workers affected by the closure of the Burberry factory in Treorchy, South Wales. THE AUTOMATIC, GRUFF RHYS from THE SUPER FURRY ANIMALS and newcomers THE ALARM have waived their appearance fee to perform at a benefit gig next month (MAR07), which will take place just days before the plant is scheduled to close. EMYR AFAN, spokesman for venue the Pop Factory, says the musicians' support will help highlight the plight of the fashion house's Welsh workforce. He says, "The proposed closure of the Burberry factory at a time when their company is announcing GBP165 million in profits is a real slap in the face to their loyal workforce in Wales. "We at the Pop Factory know no better way to bring the plight of these workers to a greater awareness here and abroad than through a rock concert with some of Wales's finest artists. "All artists will appear for free and all the proceeds will be donated to a trust created to support the families of the workers at this uncertain time in their lives." Singer SIR TOM JONES, actors EMMA THOMPSON, IOAN GRUFFUDD, RHYS IFANS, MICHAEL SHEEN and British royals QUEEN ELIZABETH II and PRINCE CHARLES are backing the campaign to stop Burberry relocating the factory to China.