FAIRTRADE Fortnight got off to a good start recently, when members of the group set up a gazebo and joined the farmers' market for the day.

The group served samples of Fairtrade tea and coffee and distributed Fairtrade Fortnight leaflets to visitors.

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party attracted more than 40 visitors to the Baptist Church, where entries from all ages joined in the crazy hat competition.

Winners included Mollie Rickwood and Christopher, Rebecca and Barbara Childs, who each received a Fairtrade chocolate bar.

Representative of Okehampton Fairtrade Group, Cllr Teresa Edwards, also attended the event, which welcomed music from Brian Higbee on guitar and Paul Wilson, from the Wren Trust, on accordion.

Visitors enjoyed scones, cakes and biscuits, using Fairtrade ingredients where possible, which were made by the NVQ catering group at Okehampton College.

Representative from the Kuapa Kokoo Cocoa Growers' Co-operative in Ghana, Nicholas Kwame Adjei Gyan, paid a visit to Okehampton College on Tuesday, March 2.

Mr Gyan spoke to two sixth form groups and met with the prospective parliamentary candidates for the Okehampton area over lunch, who were also visiting the college.

The campaign group aim is to spread the message that everyone has a choice when it comes to purchasing tea, coffee, sugar, bananas, chocolate and now many other products.

Anyone who chooses Fairtrade makes a positive difference to third world producers, their families and even their communities.

The Fairtrade Fortnight Group expressed thanks to students from Okehampton College and staff from Somerfield, Waitrose and Dunn's of Exbourne for their support.

Anyone who wants to know more about the Okehampton Fairtrade Town Campaign can phone Kate Thompson 01837 82537 or email [email protected]">[email protected]