BUSINESS in the Community, a charity championed by the Prince of Wales, has been boosted by a new member in the comfortable shape of Contour Premium Aircraft Seating, of Cwmbran.

Formerly known as Britax, the firm has signed on the dotted line to help boost its corporate responsibility ambitions.

Contour managing director Dr Phil Lewis said: "Joining Business in the Community is part of our commitment to the local area from where we draw the majority of our employees.

"It will also be a key factor in our staff development programme and enable us to contribute management and leadership skills to local regeneration."

Peter Williams, director of Business in the Community Wales, said: "We are delighted to welcome Contour on board and look forward to working with it on its corporate responsibility agenda."

Contour is responsible for British Airways' first-class and business-class lay-flat seats and American Airline's swivel seats.

It has a turnover of £80 million and employs 570 people at its site on Llantarnam industrial estate.

Despite the recent name change it remains a part of the Britax Premium Aircraft Interior Group, which claims to be the leading supplier of interiors to the world's airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

Business in the Community was set up in 1982 as a corporate response to the urban rioting and general disharmony in the country at the time.

It uses business people and business skills to trigger regeneration projects and draw marginalised people into the mainstream.

Contour has joined a rosta of about 700 company members. Prince Charles became patron in 1985 and has subsequently attended more than 350 events on the charity's behalf.

Peter Williams said: "By working together Contour and Business in the Community will be able to provide significant benefits to employees and the local community."