Ipswich is today celebrating after becoming the latest centre in Britain to be declared a Fairtrade Town.
The announcement coincided with the visit to Ipswich schools of the Fairtrade Foundation's campaign bus. The Mayor of Ipswich, Inga Lockington, was presented with a certificate and told: "Congratulations Ipswich on achieving Fairtrade Town status. Doing so is a fantastic community achievement. It is thanks to groups such as yours that Fairtrade is growing and having a positive impact on the lives of more than seven million people."
The Mayor responded: "This is a massive achievement. Not only is it a recognition of the work undertaken but also a signal that this is the start of the journey in making Ipswich a truly Fairtrade town."
The presentation of the award marks the end of two and half years work by the Making Ipswich a Fairtrade Town Steering Group, which has guided the campaign since it was formed in 2005.
Members of the group joined the campaign bus as it parked outside the Tourist Information Centre in Arras Square and later held an event at St Matthew's Primary School.
Councillor Carole Jones, Chair of the steering group, thanked employers, faith groups, community organisations, retailers and suppliers for their support and for encouraging the use of Fairtrade products. "It is important through such events to build closer links with Fairtrade producers as it provides a greater insight for the public how their choices in shopping, particularly when choosing Fairtrade, benefits growers and producers across the world simple local acts with big global impacts."
Ipswich Borough Council supports Fairtrade. Fairtrade fortnight runs until 9th March.
For further information visit the Fairtrade web pages.