Film star Rhys Ifans and the Prince of Wales have joined the national campaign to stop Burberry closing a factory in Wales, which will force 300 people out of work. Burberry, which prides itself on being a quintessentially British brand, plans to outsource the work to China, leaving just one factory in the UK.

Ifans, star of Notting Hill and Twin Town, said: 'If Burberry does go ahead and close this factory, it will be a devastating blow to Rhondda valley communities.' Prince Charles, a spokesman said, is keeping abreast of developments and has asked his charity to talk to all parties. Burberry says it is working on a plan that would see 50 workers redeployed on a new venture and that 48 workers have already left the firm since the announcement was made. It said if the plant closes, it will still have a British presence thanks to its factory in Yorkshire.