OKEHAMPTON has moved a step closer to adopting Fair Trade status — the town council has now given its backing to the initiative.

The Fair Trade group were given the thumbs up by councillors after representatives attended a recent town council meeting.

The Fair Trade group need to achieve five goals in order to get Fair Trade status for Okehampton:

• Full backing and support from Okehampton Town Council

• Support throughout the community

• A certain number of retailers and caterers selling at least two Fair Trade products

• Full media coverage of forthcoming events which capture people's attention.

The group has set up a steering group, which would take the initiative forward and raise the profile of Fair Trade in the town.

Representative for the Fair Trade group, Lynne Burgon, said support from the town council was vital: 'To achieve Fair Trade status in Okehampton, we have to have the town council behind us — without that, we can't move forwards.'

She said members could support them by providing Fair Trade products, such as teas and coffees at certain events: 'Doing this would help Fair Trade to be recognised by the community.'

The initiative will also be looking for a town councillor to join their steering group.

The member will liaise with the council to keep the initiative on the agenda and help to continue support.

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said: 'I think the town council should lead forwards in this great initiative to bring Fair Trade status to Okehampton.

'I have started stocking Fair Trade products in my railway shop.

'We will also be using Fair Trade teas and coffees in our meetings from now on and they are excellent.'

Steering group member Cynthia Higbee said: 'We plan to compile a directory of Fair Trade retailers and catering outlets, so that people know where to find the businesses who sell Fair Trade.

'We also want to build up a list of supporters keen to see the Fair Trade town initiative succeed and who might help with promotional events.

'We also plan to serve Fair Trade hot chocolate at the Edwardian Evening.'

The group has already got the support of Okehampton College and Okehampton Primary School.

Eco co-ordinator from Okehampton Primary Fran Rickwood said: 'Our Eco Watch group is working together as a Fair Trade school steering group, along with staff to help promote awareness of Fair Trade in our school.

'To reach Fair Trade school status we have to show that we have set up a steering group, written and adopted a whole-school Fair Trade policy and that we are committed to selling, promoting and using Fair Trade products.

'We are going to organise a Fair Trade tasting session and we already use Fair Trade juice on our snack trolley.'

'We would like to organise a Fair Trade tasting session for shops to encourage them to sell Fair Trade tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.

'The children have really embraced the concept of Fair Trade and have a good understanding of how we should respect the hard work that farmers from faraway countries do in order to supply us with food products.'

Anyone interested in becoming a member or supporter, or who wishes to be included in the directory can email Jo Thompson on [email protected]">[email protected]