EVESHAM will be declared a Fairtrade town before summer 2006, more than seven months earlier than expected - that's the promise of town Councillor Robert Raphael.

Cllr Raphael had originally predicted the town would achieve Fairtrade status by 2007 but following a flurry of support within the last few weeks, the town looks well on target to achieve the title in a matter of months.

The good news comes just as the town prepares for Fairtrade fortnight, which runs from Monday 6 to Thursday 16, March.

"It looked as though we would achieve status by 2007 when we first started. Now I am confident that we will be celebrating the distinction by the summer," Cllr Raphael said.

The bid received a boost when Evesham town councillors vowed to support the bid for Fairtrade status by agreeing to serve only tea and coffee from the organisation at meetings and in council offices.

A number of churches in the area are getting on board with Evesham Baptist Church and St Peters in Bengeworth agreeing to offer support.

Schools have also pledged their interest with Prince Henry's, Evesham High School and Swan Lane Primary in Evesham doing their bit to help the town.

"All the churches, schools and workplaces have to do is use two Fairtrade products. These can be anything from tea, sugar or biscuits," Cllr Raphael added.

"It was really important to get the schools and churches on board because without their support our bid to become a Fairtrade town would be far more difficult. We need four churches and four schools and we already have four of each interested."

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 supermarkets and small food shops must stock a range of the special goods and local workplaces must also use the products.