BURY is celebrating after being awarded Fairtrade status for the fifth time.

The achievement marks eight years as a recognised Fairtrade borough and acknowledges a town's commitment to support licensed Fairtrade products and their producers in the developing world both by selling them and publicising them.

In honour of the milestone a host of activities and events are to be held throughout the borough during the Fairtrade Fortnight, between February 25 and March 10.

Bernard Emblem, Bury Fairtrade's secretary, said: “We are very proud of our Fairtrade status and our commitment to the values of the movement: fairness, justice and empathy.

"The fantastic milestone of eight years as a Fairtrade borough is a collective achievement and reflects the continued support of local campaigners, Bury Council, businesses, retailers and community groups.

"We have some exciting plans for Fairtrade Fortnight and beyond, and I invite local residents to contact us and get involved to help drive change for the farmers who need our support most.”

As part of the celebrations, a launch event will be held at Bury Unitarian Church in Bank Street, from 2pm to 4pm on February 23, including refreshments and cakes and a chance to chat to campaigners.

Earlier in the day there will also be a Fairtrade cycle ride from the Justica ethical shop in Bolton to Bury Unitarian Church.

Then on March 1 a representative from the London-based Fairtrade Foundation will be giving a talk at Holy Cross College at 11am, discussing the impact Fairtrade has had on communities in the developing world.

A limited number of places can be booked by contacting Mr Emblem on bjemblem@yahoo.co.uk, or by calling 0775 9975 620.

On March 6 residents are invited to sample Fairtrade chocolate and more at the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.

And finally Bury Fairtrade will also be holding a stall at this year's Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival in April.

Adam Gardner, communities campaigns manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We all have huge power to change things for better through our shopping choices and business practices. With the support of campaigners such as Bury Fairtrade, the Fairtrade movement has helped to transform the lives of millions of farmers and workers, their families and communities in world’s poorest countries.

"Trade is not working for everyone and so we need to keep driving change for more farmers and their families. I hope Bury Fairtrade will continue their much needed work and I wish them many more years of success.”

The Fairtrade Town Campaign started in 2001 in Garstang, Lancashire, and the network now extends to more than 600 towns in the UK and more than 1,800 worldwide.

Fairtrade campaigners estimate more than 1.6 million farmers, workers and their families in more than 70 developing countries have benefitted from the international Fairtrade system.

To date more than 5,000 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade mark from coffee and tea to bananas, clothing and gold.