SUPPORT to make Okehampton a Fairtrade town grew last week, when members of the town council requested more information on the move.

Councillors spoke of their interest to gain Fairtrade Status for the town and welcomed a representative from the campaign to tell them why their support is needed.

The campaign had already got off to a good start, when residents packed out a meeting in support of it earlier this month.

Cllr Kay Bickley said she would be happy to support the initiative.

She said: 'The key thing is we want to know exactly what having Fairtrade status means.

'We would also like to know the criteria and what we have to do to meet the criteria.

'People will only take it seriously if they are convinced the town is rolling up its sleeves to do something to get that status.

'We would also like to know what it means for the town council — what our role would be?'

And Cllr Bickley said she felt having the status would make a difference to Third World countries.

'Personally, I am absolutely for it and at the end of the day, we don't ask enough questions about how our food is sourced.

'It's also so important to know what it costs people, in terms of their daily lives, to get the food to us.

'Giving people in other parts of the world a fair price and recognising the effort they have made to get it to us, is what it's all about.'

The campaign aims to encourage workplaces, churches, schools and community organisations to support the cause.

It also aims to get at least two Fairtrade products to become available in the town's retail outlets, restaurants, pubs and cafés.

Chairman of the chamber of trade Ian Bailey said: 'The chamber are quite happy for Okehampton to gain Fairtrade status.

'We've no objection to it and it enables us to give a helping hand to those less fortunate.

'I'm sure the chamber would give any help that would be required and encouage members to participate.'