MIDDLESBROUGH is aiming to become a Fairtrade town by promoting the sale of imported goods - starting with tea and coffee in the town hall.

The council has set up a steering group to investigate ways of increasing the amount of ethically-traded products sold and consumed in the town.

The aim is to get Traidcraft to recognise Middlesbrough as a Fairtrade town by next March.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, steering group chairman, said: "The council agreed unanimously to support the Make Poverty History campaign and pursue Fairtrade town status and actions are now in hand to ensure Fairtrade tea and coffee will be served in the town hall and other council outlets.

"The group is also doing an audit of Middlesbrough to identify current retail outlets and then target the town's businesses to encourage their involvement.

"Given the huge increase in awareness which Live8 and the G8 summit have created, we hope there will be a lot of backing for this initiative."

The move has been welcomed by a Traidcraft representative in the Tees Valley, Jenny Medhurst, who will sit on the group.

A full list of Traidcraft goods, including food, crafts, gifts and textiles, can be found at www.traidcraft.co.uk or by calling (01740) 630475.