Cafes, shops, businesses, schools and supermarkets in Batley and Spen are being urged to stock goods which offer Third World farmers a better deal.

Kirklees Council must pass a resolution of support if the constituency is to be given official Fairtrade status.

Mike Wood, the area's Labour MP, said he hoped existing demand for the goods would fuel the campaign.

Public help

"Fairtrade towns and zones raise awareness and help tackle poverty by allowing disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal," he said.

"If we can build on the excellent work being done already by local groups and organisations - such as Grove URC at Gomersal, Batley Parish Church and PKWA at Staincliffe - then we could see Batley and Spen become the first Fairtrade constituency in the country, hopefully by Fairtrade Fortnight in March."

Tina Walker, chair of the steering group, said there were lots of Fairtrade towns, cities and zones but no constituencies.

"It would be great if we could be the first constituency to do this and hopefully start a trend.

She added: "If a shop or cafe does not offer Fairtrade goods we would like people to request that they do - and to let us know."

About �100m worth of products carrying the Fairtrade mark are now sold each year in the UK.

More than 350 different products are available from retailers.