Eastleigh Borough Council has been awarded Fairtrade status after a decade-long campaign

Eastleigh Borough Council has been recognised for its commitment to the principles of Fairtrade through an ongoing campaign and as a result the Eastleigh borough is now officially a Fairtrade Borough.

This follows a council pledge back in 2005 to actively promote Fairtrade to consumers, businesses and community groups in the area.

As part of the campaign, retailers had to pledge to sell more than four Fairtrade products and eating venues had to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee.

The campaign also secured support from faith groups, schools and voluntary groups, as well as lobbying businesses to take up the Fairtrade banner.

To celebrate the achievement the Council, the 'Fairtrade in Eastleigh Borough' group will be presented with the certificate by the Mayor of Eastleigh at their Annual General Meeting on July 15.

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "Thanks to the support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”