ODIHAM and North Warnborough have been awarded Fairtrade status for their commitment to Fairtrade principles, following a long campaign.

The news comes after the team, which acted for both villages made a resolution at the beginning of 2016 to actively promote Fairtrade to consumers, businesses and community groups in the area.

As part of the campaign, retailers had to pledge to sell more than four Fairtrade products and eateries had to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee. The campaign also secured support from faith groups, schools and voluntary groups, as well as lobbying businesses to promote the message of the global foundation in their working practices.

Reverend Alison Brown says she is, “delighted that people like Kathryn and our wider community are taking a lead”.

While Jon Hale added: “I am delighted that the parish council has been able to play a small role in supporting this brilliant initiative.  

“Other than being the right ethical thing to do, it’s good for our High Street - and I am fairly sure that the coffee tastes all the better for it too!”

More than 1.4 million people, farmers and workers, across more than 70 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.

The system helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.

Estimated retail sales of Fairtrade products reached over £1.7bn in 2013.

Adam Gardner, communities campaigns manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome Odiham & North Warnborough to the Fairtrade movement which now unites over 1,500 communities worldwide, taking practical steps to making a fairer world trade system a reality.

“Thanks to the support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”