Will.i.am boost for Prince's Trust (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Will.i.am boost for Prince's Trust

3:35pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in Showbiz © Press Association 2013

Will.i.am has donated £500,000 to the Prince's Trust, after meeting its founder, the Prince of Wales.

The Black Eyed Peas' frontman said he wanted to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people.

After meeting youngsters on a Prince's Trust personal development course in east London last month, Will.i.am visited Charles at his London home, Clarence House.

His donation, made through his i.am.angel Foundation, will help build skills for work and enterprise, with a focus on technology.

The Voice judge, who performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert, said: "My donation to the Trust will help these young people build skills that are vital in today's and tomorrow's job market, including technology and computer knowledge."

He added: "I grew up in east Los Angeles, one of the most under-served and tough neighbourhoods in America.

"My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality and beating the odds that come with growing up in a disadvantaged situation.

"The Prince's Trust has a 36-year history of assisting disadvantaged youth, so I am pleased to be collaborating with an organisation that shares my mission to transform the lives of young people who need extra support and structure in their lives."

Martina Milburn, the Trust's chief executive, said: "The Prince's Trust is a charity which depends on generous donations such as these.

"Will.i.am is an inspiring character - we're excited about his vision of helping the most disadvantaged to improve their computer skills and we're incredibly grateful for the donation. It will make a huge difference to vulnerable young lives in the UK today."