SHOPPERS were being urged to get into the habit of buying goods from countries in the developing world in Middlesbrough yesterday.

Jenny Medhurst donned a monk's habit at the Fairtrade stall at the Middlesbrough Community Environment Day, in Captain Cook Square, to encourage people to give the goods a taste.

Shoppers and visitors to the stall were able to sample a variety of products and try their luck at the tombola. The stall was part of the national Fairtrade Fortnight initiative.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, who chairs the Fairtrade steering committee, said: "We hope that Fairtrade Fortnight really raises the profile of an issue which is critical to so many producers getting a better deal for their work. I hope as many people as possible try fairly traded products and make the decision to stick with them."