Kendal could help disadvantaged producers from some of the world's poorer countries by becoming one of the first Fairtrade towns in the country.

Garstang in Lancashire has been declared the country's first Fairtrade town and Kendal has been invited to join other towns and cities throughout the country, such as Alnwick and Leicester, which are set to follow suit.

Kendal town councillors will debate the issue at a future meeting but heard that before attaining the status the following five "goals" must be met:

l The local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings.

l A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops and served in at least two local cafes/catering establishments.

l Fairtrade products are used by at least ten businesses and organisations such as schools, churches, large offices and hairdressers.

l Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

l Convene a local Fairtrade steering group to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town Status.

"This is something that this town could be really proud of supporting and could take a lead on it," said Coun Robin Yates.

"It's certainly something that is a developing movement throughout the world."

Coun Tom Clare said he supported in principle the objectives but warned that taking this route opened up a whole raft of other issues: "If we are flagging up coffee being more ethical than others.

"Where does that leave a firm like Farrers in this council's judgement? Is this condemning them and saying that they are selling unethical products?"

Coun Austen Robinson said: "We are not being judgemental in any way towards establishments and shops that are using other suppliers.

What we would be saying is: 'Please bear in mind there are those

countries not getting as good a deal in world economics as the big organisations."

The Fairtrade Foundation tackles poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the Fairtrade Mark.