Ten years as Fairtrade town

The town was first awarded Fairtrade status in 2006 following a campaign which encouraged businesses to sell or use Fairtrade products.

The achievement of reaching 10 years as a Fairtrade town was celebrated when the leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Blake Pain, was presented with the official certificate.

Anita Beer, secretary to the Market Harborough Fairtrade Town Committee, said: “It’s encouraging to talk to children who are learning about Fairtrade at school and who then tell their parents and grandparents all about it.

“But we all want to learn more about how Fairtrade gives people the dignity of working their way out of poverty and helps them to manage their environment sustainably in the face of climate changes.”

The town’s Fairtrade Group revealed its plans to promote Fairtrade to more community groups and businesses in the area by taking part in campaigns, including the nationwide Fairtrade Fortnight, which is held at the end of February.

This will include its annual schools’ baking competition and a new venture to encourage local shops to have special window displays of the Fairtrade goods that they sell.

There are more than 50 organisations supporting Fairtrade in the town.

Cllr Blake Pain said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the town and recognises the efforts of all those involved in the campaign.”