The newly established Eden Fair Trade Group is working hard to establish Fairtrade status for the area and has organised a number of promotional events.

The group has the support of Eden District Council, local cafes, restaurants, schools, churches and businesses and is encouraging shoppers to buy fairly traded produce.

Goods stamped with the Fairtrade mark guarantees that farmers, packers and farm workers have received a fair wage, adequate health and housing and the right to join a trade union. They have also received a fair minimum price for their goods, and a social premium' for their produce to improve schools and provide clean water, healthcare and roads.

For anyone wanting to learn more about Fair Trade they can visit the Fairtrade Foundation website www.fairtrade.org.uk - or attend events organised by the group.

On Tuesday, October 25, World Development Movement member Peter Bryant, from Kendal, will address a meeting of the Eden Fair Trade Group at the Bluebell Bookshop, Penrith, starting at 7.30pm. The event is free and open to anyone.

At Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church Hall, on Monday, October 24, there is to be a Fairtrade coffee morning, from 9.30am to 1pm. A Tearcraft stall will be available along with refreshments, and a promotion of the Eden Fair Trade Group.

As part of Trade Justice Week, at the end of October, many people from all over the UK will be lobbying their Members of Parliament in London.

In Penrith, residents will have the opportunity to meet Penrith and the Border MP David MacLean in the St Andrew's Parish Church rooms on Saturday, October 29. Mr MacLean will be giving his views on the Trade Justice Movement and Fairtrade and this will be followed by an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions. The meeting will start at 9.30am.

There will be an official launch of the Eden Fair Trade Guide by the chairman of Eden District Council, Coun Ella Langham. The guide lists more than 60 shops, cafes, guesthouses, churches, businesses and tourist attractions supplying fair traded goods. Copies will be available at local tourist information centres.