BUSINESSES in Evesham are to be encouraged to sell Fairtrade goods as part of the town's bid for gain special status.

Evesham Councillors have voted to support the bid for Fairtrade Town Status by agreeing to serve only tea and coffee from the organisation at meetings and in council offices.

Now shops, cafes and other businesses are being urged to get behind the campaign by also stocking or serving Fairtrade goods.

The campaign is being led by Evesham and District Trade Justice Group.

"We were asked by the trade justice group to support the bid," said Evesham Town Council clerk Frank Green.

"They needed the support of the council to achieve this status and councillors were happy to oblige."

Certain criteria must be met in order to achieve the distinction. The area must include one catering outlet per 5,000 people, which sells at least two Fairtrade products.

Local food shops, from big supermarkets to small private traders, must stock a range of the special goods and local workplaces must also use the products.

The Fairtrade Foundation UK fights for better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in poorer countries.

A Fairtrade Town Steering Group has been set up to head the town's campaign, which consists of town councillors and business leaders.

Malvern has already achieved Fairtrade Town Status and Worcester, Droitwich and Stourport-on-Severn are also vying for the distinction.

Worcester College of Technology is, at present, one of the few Fairtrade universities in the country.