RESIDENTS are being urged to help millions of farmers and workers in developing countries by supporting Fairtrade Fortnight.

During the two weeks, from February 23 to March 8, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) is encouraging shoppers and businesses to choose Fairtrade products. West Cheshire was one of the first areas in the country to achieve Fairtrade status and the council has celebrated the renewal of the status for a further two years.

Ruth Davidson, chairman of CWAC's Fairtrade steering group, said: “Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

“It is also about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities that have more control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work.”

The group has worked on a number of initiatives to promote Fairtrade including updating a Fairtrade directory which acknowledges outlets that provide four or more Fairtrade products. C

heshire Development Education Centre is helping libraries to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight with displays of products, colouring competitions and story time.