KIND-HEARTED pupils have held their first community event to help raise awareness of the plight of the poor in developing countries.

Year seven students at Darlington Education Village organised a Fair Trade Event to raise awareness about an issue that affects millions of people worldwide.

Supporting the global charity Traidcraft, the students highlighted their work showing a clear understanding of the concept of fair trade between developed and developing countries.

The event, held as part of the opening minds curriculum, focused on the importance of fair trade to farmers in the world's poorest countries.

The students sold Fair Trade products, cakes and drinks and helped to promote and sell raffle tickets with all proceeds being donated to Traidcraft.

A DVD was shown about developing world countries and posters and leaflets explaining fair trade formed part of the student exhibition.

Teacher Lynne Coulter said: "It's an opportunity for the students to invite their parents and friends and show them what they have done and have learnt.

"By getting them involved in an event like this, it will increase their knowledge and, hopefully, pass it on to others too.

"Its about encouraging the children to make ethical and moral choices and, hopefully, this event has helped with that."