It’s a fair way!

THE Midcounties Co-operative is helping to educate pupils from a Walsall school about the importance of buying Fairtrade products.

Between 16 and 18 October 2006, children at Castle School in Odell Road, Leamore took part in educational workshops learning about Fairtrade products and farming in developing countries. They also enjoyed food tasting of products available at Midcounties Co-op.

Marnie Goalby, Fairtrade champion for The Midcounties Co-op, said: "Our members and customers tell us that Fairtrade is an important issue and we aim to help educate people at an early age to raise awareness of the difference their choices can make.

"Working with local schools is a great way of helping the children understand more about where food comes from and helping producers in developing countries get a fairer deal.

"The Midcounties Co-operative has been a long term supporter of Fairtrade and throughout the year we have been promoting hard-hitting messages about making informed and socially aware shopping decisions."

Kathy Yates, headteacher said: "The children have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in these informative workshops.

"Castle School was lucky enough to receive a grant from Midcounties Co-op earlier this year. We applied for the grant to help us in our bid to achieve Business & Enterprise specialist status to raise standards of achievement and the quality of learning for all our students."