SIX cafes and catering companies have been rewarded for serving Fairtrade refreshments on Teesside.

Mayor of Stockton Councillor Suzanne Fletcher presented certificates to the first six catering outlets serving Fairtrade drinks.

At a ceremony at Stockton Town Hall last week, organised by the Stockton Fairtrade Town Steering Group, she applauded the winning organisations.

She said: "It is so important that you have set the standard for other catering outlets in our borough.You are trailblazing the way."

Receiving certificates were: Norton's Cafe Aroma; Gold Leaf Catering, at Newtown Community Resource Centre; The Waiting Room, in Eaglescliffe: Stockton International Family Centre; Stockton Council Catering; and The Baptist Tabernacle.

"Thanks to you, Fairtrade supporters now have the opportunity to enjoy Fairtrade tea and coffee when they are out shopping, and customers who have never tried Fairtrade products before have the opportunity to discover what good quality they are.

"I hope other cafes and catering establishments will soon follow you, helping Fairtrade sales to grow, benefitting more producers and our campaign for Stockton to become a Fairtrade Borough."

Receiving certificates were: Norton's Cafe Aroma; Gold Leaf Catering, at Newtown Community Resource Centre; The Waiting Room, in Eaglescliffe: Stockton International Family Centre; Stockton Council Catering; and The Baptist Tabernacle.

Seventeen catering outlets and 35 shops in the borough must offer at least two Fairtrade products to meet one of the five Fairtrade Borough goals.