THE annual Christmas Traidcraft store will give people the chance to buy exotic and unusual gifts and help the finances of businesses in developing companies.

The fairtrade company buys foods, crafts and handmade paper products from more than 80 groups in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Based on long-term partnerships with its producers and caring for the environment, the business stocks unusual crafts and foods, including wooden toys from India and Palestinian olive oil.

Shop organiser Jenny Medhurst said: "Fairtrade offers shoppers a very practical way to do something about the yawning gap between the rich and poor in the world."

It has opened at the former Roseby's shop, in the Dundas Arcade, Middlesbrough, and will continue trading until Tuesday, December 21, from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday