Guisborough is the first town in the North-East to be recognised for its work to promote fair trade in developing countries.

The market town is following in the footsteps of Newcastle, which was the first metropolitan authority to win Fairtrade city status in March last year.

Guisborough met five goals needed to achieve the status, following a campaign by the East Cleveland World Development Movement (WDM) to gain support for Fairtrade products in the town.

The town council passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade and a range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the town's shops and cafs and used by a number of local work places and community organisations.

A local Fairtrade steering group has been set up to ensure continued commitment to the town's Fairtrade Town status.

Town Council chairman, Anne Franklin, said: "The town council wants to help Fairtrade and promote growth.

"We are more than happy to support this if it means a better deal for countries around the world."

Many of the 180 Fairtrade products available in the UK, including bananas, chocolate, coffee, tea and fruit juices, are on sale in Guisborough shops including For Goodness Sake, Real Meals, Safeway and Somerfield.

Fairly traded tea and coffee are on sale in The Priory Coffee Shop and will soon be on sale in Virgo's.

Fairtrade products are available from a Traidcraft stall held in Guisborough Methodist Church every Saturday between 9.30am and 11.30am.

During Fairtrade Fortnight, there will be a stall in Safeway on Saturday, March 13, from 9am until noon with free samples of fair trade tea, coffee and chocolate on offer.

A trade craft stall will also be held in Guisborough Methodist Church on Saturday, March 6, and on March 13 from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Anyone wanting to get involved with Fairtrade issues and become part of the local East Cleveland WDM should ring (01287) 280335.