The borough of Telford and Wrekin has beein awareded Fairtrade status by the alliance of fairtrade. In February 2012, the Telford & Wrekin Fairtrade Alliance was launched, made up from a range of local schools businesses, churches and community groups.

Since then, the Alliance has been working to actively promote and support Fairtrade in the area - with the aim of obtaining rge Fair trade ethical mark which is recognised worldwide.

Members of the Alliance have held coffee mornings, run chocolate tasting sessions and held fundraising events.

Schools have been involved taking part in Fairtrade workshops, introducing Fairtrade Ambassadors and through a Fairtrade recipe competition a Fairtrade cookbook has been produced, showcasing pupils’ creative recipe ideas.

The borough has also been fortunate enough to host visits from a Fairtrade banana producer and a Costa Rican coffee farmer.

As part of the campaign, retailers must also sell more than four Fairtrade products and eateries have to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee.

Councillor Veronica Fletcher, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Fairtade Champion, said: “This is a great achievement for the borough and reflects the hard work that has been put in by the Alliance over the past three years.

“I’m pleased that this work has been recognised and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on this.”

David Nuttall, Chair of Telford & Wrekin Fairtrade Alliance, said: “Gaining Fairtrade borough status is a fantastic achievement for all involved and shows real commitment by all retailers, churches and education establishments in supporting Fairtarde products.

“Thanks to the support of the Telford & Wrekin Fairtrade Alliance, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome Telford and Wrekin to the Fairtrade movement which now unites over 1,500 communities worldwide, taking practical steps to making a fairer world trade system a reality.

“Thanks to the support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Today, more than 1.4 million people – farmers and workers – across more than 70 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system, but there is still a long way to go. Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies.

In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.

Towns, cities, boroughs, villages, islands, counties and zones can apply for the Fairtrade Town status and join the movement towards a fairer world trade system. An area that applies for Fairtrade status must meet five criteria:

• Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee Fairtrade at its meetings and canteens.

• At least four Fairtrade products can be purchased in the area's local shops and eateries.

• Fairtrade is effectively promoted to local businesses and community organisations.

• Attracting media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

• A local Steering Group must be established to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

The FAIRTRADE Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards.

As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide.