THE Fairtrade 'Fair and Local Lunch' at All Saints Parish Hall on Saturday, March 8 capped off a busy Fairtrade Fortnight in Okehampton.

The event was organised by Just Living to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight and support local food producers, and attracted around 30 people. With a mixture of soups, hotpots and coffee and cake on offer, the event raised £135, with the whole ticket price going to support the work of Christian Aid.

The theme for Fairtrade Fortnight this year was the difference Fair Trade Agreements make to the lives of the banana growers.

Stephen Best, the chairman of the Banana Growers in Saint Lucia visited Okehampton Primary School and told children how families' lives had been changed as a fair, consistent price for bananas helps communities build local schools and medical centres. Waitrose delivered a box of Fair Trade bananas to the children during this event.

The work done by primary school pupils on the benefits of bananas was displayed in the hall during the fair and local lunch, and some children from the school gave up their morning to make banana smoothies.

Organisers expressed thanks to Martin Ford of the Co-operative, Waitrose, and everyone who supported the events throughout Fairtrade Fortnight.

l Pictured top, youngsters look at Fairtrade wares at the fair. Below, Okehampton mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies presents a cheque to the town's Fairtrade group for their educational work.