YOUNG people yesterday heard an Ethiopian coffee grower explain ways they can help poor farmers in the Third World.

Tadesse Meskela is the general manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers' Co-Operative Union, in Ethiopia.

It represents about 70,000 smallhold farmers and tries to ensure its members receive a fair price for their coffee.

Mr Meskela spoke to a meeting of the Young Co-Operatives, an organisation which helps school students run their own businesses selling Fairtrade products.

The Fairtrade Foundation cuts out expensive suppliers and exporters and ensures growers receive a fair price for their produce.

About 150 members of the Young Co-Operatives attended the meeting at the Oakwood Centre, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

Mr Meskela said: "I've travelled all around the world trying to raise awareness of the needs and concerns of our people.

"Fairtrade means our growers can get around two-and-a-half times more for their coffee. This is the difference between being able to send their children to school and not."

Kevin McGrother, who set up the Young Co-Operatives, said: "We've about 125 groups set up around the country. The idea is by selling Fairtrade products they can learn about the plight of the growers, run their own business and learn to operate as a collective.

"And of course they're selling Fairtrade products the whole time."