Last updated 05:16, Friday, 21 November 2008

WIGTON has been awarded Fairtrade status for its part in ensuring a better deal for third world farmers.

Better deal: Terry Fallows was part of the lengthy campaign

News that the market town had achieved the recognition reached its Fairtrade steering group last weekend.

Lobbyist Terry Fallows said: “We are all absolutely delighted about this.”

The town has two failed attempts behind it, but a seven-month campaign and strong support meant it was third time lucky.

Mr Fallows, 61, of Wigton, said: “Where it fell down previously was in not having a committee to drive it through. But now we have a fantastic committee and we are looking to develop that.”

Fairtrade is a mark that appears on more than 1,000 products as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.

To gain the status, products had to be sold in Wigton’s shops and cafés and the bid needed the support of the town council and the local media.

The town’s major employer, Innovia Films also has the products in its canteen – another condition of gaining Fairtrade status.

Among other retailers, Chrysalis Wholefoods, on King Street, stocks Fairtrade too.

Mr Fallows added: “We will get a sign to say Wigton is a Fairtrade town. But this is only the starting point. We are hoping more and more organisations will sign up to stocking Fairtrade. We need to maintain the momentum.”

The group plan to celebrate the new status on Saturday, March 7 in the Market Hall during Fairtrade Fortnight.

Wigton folk singer, Elaine Davidson, will be performing a song about Fairtrade to mark the occasion. Everyone is welcome to the event.