THE younger generation last week urged businesses in Okehampton to consider the benefits of Fairtrade, at the town's recent chamber of trade meeting.

The meeting, held at Okehampton Primary School, welcomed traders who were presented with persuasive letters from children in years 3 and 4.

The handwritten letters informed them about the benefits the Fairtrade movement provides to third world farming communities.

The pupils also wanted to persuade shop owners to stock more Fairtrade products.

Mayor and mayoress of Okehampton, Cllr Mike and Mrs Mary Moyse also attended the meeting.

Cllr Moyse said: 'The children wrote some excellent letters and put them together extremely well.

'The letters seemed older than their years and were explained in such a way that was clear and to the point.

'I am really impressed with the effort they put in and I will definitely be supporting helping to make Okehampton a Fairtrade town,'

Refreshments of tea, coffee, orange juice, biscuits and cakes were also provided at the meeting, which were all made using Fairtrade ingredients.

The ingredients were purchased using money raised from a Fairtrade Trolley Dash around Waitrose, carried out by the school during Fairtrade fortnight.

Eco-school co-ordinator, Fran Rickwood,said Okehampton Primary was working towards becoming a Fairtrade school.

She said: 'It was really heartening to see the children overcome their initial nerves and engage in conversation with the adults.

'All around the room, people were talking and learning about the benefits of Fairtrade.

'Some of the chamber members and Cllr Moyse have written personal replies to the children's letters, making this event really empowering for our youngsters.'

Chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade, Ian Bailey, said: 'The children gave an excellent presentation and it was good to see great enthusiasm towards it.

'They were confident and had obviously done their research.

'I really hope that they get a good result and the traders in the town take notice of their message.

'The chamber is fully supportive of Fairtrade in Okehampton and we wish them every luck in making it happen.'