WARRINGTON'S efforts to help make the world fairer have been recognised after the town's 'fairtrade borough' status was renewed for the next two years.

The town's fairtrade steering group submitted evidence to the Fairtrade Foundation, which successfully granted the status.

The foundation considered Warrington's wide availability of fairtrade products in shops and catering outlets, as well as the high level of support in place from residents, businesses, the council, faith groups and schools.

Jackie Hancock, chairman of Warrington fairtrade steering group said: "We're very pleased that the borough's fairtrade status has been maintained for a further two years.

"Warrington was first awarded fairtrade status in 2006 so next year we'll be celebrating 10 years as a fairtrade borough.

"To celebrate this milestone the steering group are inviting work places, social groups and churches to hold a fairtrade party that includes a bake off-style competition.

"The winners of these competitions will then be invited to a 10th anniversary fairtrade afternoon tea, where an overall winner will be chosen by VIP judges.

"These events will provide opportunities for many people to taste a range of delicious fairtrade products and learn more about the lives of the people who grow them.

"As a result we hope more folk will be encouraged to look for products with the fairtrade mark when shopping.

"Fairtrade has an important part to play in making our world fairer – it enables farmers in developing countries to have a stable income and the chance to trade their way out of poverty."

To get involved in the fairtrade campaign in Warrington visit warrington-fairtrade.org.uk or contact Laura Stanley on lstanley@warrington.gov.uk.