FAIRTRADE supporters in Teignmouth have reported another successful year.

The chairman of the local group, bob Kennedy, told the annual meeting that its status had to be reviewed this autumn, and it was making plans to revisit all supporters and outlets in pursuit of the application, and to widen the support base.

'When you buy Fairtrade, you support not only the farmer, but his family and community. You also give them hope for the future, whereas people without hope so often turn to violence and criminality,' he said.

Mr Kennedy revealed that nationally, Fairtrade sales now exceeded £1 billion, with 524 Fairtrade towns, 630 schools, 144 universities, and 6,700 churches, registered.

He outlined some of the highlights of the year, including the newly designed carnival float, which promoted the benefits of buying Fairtrade and won awards in Teignmouth and Dawlish.

He said:?'We are confident that some of the hundreds of leaflets and stickers distributed will take root somewhere, and add strength to the campaign.'

Pictured are Teignmouth Fairtrade Friends with their winning carnival float.