Fairtrade products aim to help producers in developing countries

At present 39 retailers in the town sell Fairtrade goods with 21 cafes and restaurants also involved in helping to increase sales.

To achieve Fairtrade status the council must meet five special criteria, including ensuring only Fairtrade goods are sold at council offices.

Research show sales of Fairtrade items in Britain in 2007 rose by about 40%.

The local authority has now launched a campaign to encourage shoppers to buy Fairtrade goods, as well as encouraging retailers to stock the label.

'Helping producers'

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, convener of the environment and heritage committee, said: "Fairtrade is about helping producers and manufactures in less developed countries get a better deal.

"Already Fairtrade produce is available at Callendar House, municipal buildings and more and more services are now using only Fairtrade tea and coffee at meetings.

"We have made a further commitment to Fairtrade and we look forward to achieving Fairtrade Zone status for the whole of the council area."

To become a Fairtrade Status Zone, the local authority must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agree to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings, in offices and canteens.

It must also ensure at least two Fairtrade products are readily available in local shops and cafes and that Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places and community organisations.