A LEIGH company is in the forefront of the fight to beat the killer hospital superbug MRSA.

The Moss Industrial estate-based Rapid "Additive" Services has developed an additive which when added to plastic reduces the risk of infection.

RapidGuard can be used in toilet seats, hospital flooring and wall coverings, medical drapes, gloves and gowns and many other medical items.

The company is the technical division of Rapid Colour Services Ltd, an independent manufacturer of colour and additive masterbatches, which formulates and manufactures to customers' special needs.

The Leigh base is equipped with state of the art compounding equipment and the 15 years old company, headed by managing director Keith Fenn, has established itself as a leading UK manufacturer.

A spokesman said: "In order to develop our antimicrobial masterbatch range we have worked very hard with global leaders in specialist additives. This extensive support and use of laboratories has been invaluable in helping us to develop customer specific solutions.

"RapidGuard has many benefits over traditionally used systems. It is not associated with side effects like rashes and is longer lasting. Successful results have been achieved using RapidGuard in many types of polymers.

"According to research infections caught in British hospitals are more likely to involve drug resistant MRSA than anywhere else in Europe. Rapid has appreciated the problems involved and has concentrated its efforts in developing masterbatch for specific use in medical applications.

"We are working hard to be at the forefront of the fight against MRSA, a major threat to public health."