HEREFORDSHIRE Council has produced a new guide to coincide with the start of Fairtrade fortnight.

It features a list of events from coffee mornings to wine tastings and aims to promote the message of supporting Fairtrade in the developing world as well as buying local produce.

Rev Mark Johnson, chairman of the Fairtrade county steering group, said: "Fairtrade is one of the best ways of encouraging sustainable development for families and communities in the Third World and I would urge anyone interested in finding out more to go along to one of these events.

"The message is to buy locally if you can, which cuts food miles and helps to reduce the impact of pollution on climate change, but if you have to buy from overseas, look out for Fairtrade products that guarantee a better deal for Third World producers."

The 2007 Fairtrade guide promotes businesses which serve or sell more than two Fairtrade products. Listings are free of charge and businesses can be added to the web directory at any time.

It is free and available at libraries and Tourist Information Centres, as well as on the council's website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk The website also has a full directory of suppliers together with the latest Fairtrade news.

Herefordshire Fairtrade Fortnight events: Saturday, March 3 - Traidcraft coffee morning at Quaker Meeting House, Fiveways, Ross-on-Wye.

Wednesday, March 7 - Fairtrade coffee morning at Ethos Fairtrade Shop, Tarrington and Traidcraft stall at All Saints Church, Hereford.

Thursday, March 8 - Fairtrade coffee morning at 35 New Street, Ledbury.

Saturday, March 10 - Fairtrade wine tasting and vouchers for free tea and coffee tasting at Fairtrade Café, Forbury Chapel, Leominster. Fairtrade stall at the Leominster Farmers Market in Corn Square.

Sunday, March 11 - Fairtrade afternoon with refreshments, stalls and a lakeside walk at Canon Frome Court.

Saturday, March 17 - Fairtrade coffee morning and lunch, St. Paul's Church, Tupsley.