KENDAL'S Bridge House restaurant proprietors Roger and Alana Pergle-Wilson have offered to host a Fairtrade wine tasting event as part of Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from March 1 to 13.

Fairtrade supporters locally will be introducing a series of affordable, good quality wines which are all ethically produced - mostly from South African vineyards, and which carry the Tradecraft label.

"As these are little known about, we are hoping for a good turnout," said Beth Conroy, a member of Kendal's Fairtrade Town support group. "Much interest has already been shown, including from our local branch of Oddbins."

The wines will be served with Fairtrade nibbles and canaps. The event - on Thursday, March 10, from 6pm-8pm - is open to all restaurant, caf and bed and breakfast owners as well as interested members of the public. There is no charge. However, there will be an opportunity to make a donation on the night to help cover costs.

There will also be a free event for Fairtrade Fortnight on Sunday, March 6, at 7.45pm, when Ethiopian coffee farmer Tedesse Meskela gives a talk at Sandylands Methodist Church, in Kendal, on how Fairtrade is helping revive communities in his country. The event is open to all.

"Kendal has now been a Fairtrade Town for more than a year and the mayor of Kendal Marilyn Molloy is very supportive so we are hoping for her attendance at these events," said Beth. "An ever-growing number of people are wanting to assist the poor of the Third World by making this ethical choice in what they buy. As well as guaranteeing small producers fair wages and working conditions, the Fairtrade standard also guarantees protection for their local environment and progress towards a better life in their communities, through investment in such basic needs as clean water, health care and education."