STUDENTS at a Hampshire college have organised a range of online events to raise awareness of Fairtrade.

To mark this year's Fairtrade Fortnight, a team of Eastleigh College's Event Management students have created the set of "fun and inspiring" events, aimed at children and young adults.

Activities include quiz nights, interactive learning sessions and a Fairtrade bake off competition as part of work experience element of the students' course.

The free events will be going on for two weeks and are said to be "ideal" for children of all ages, especially those currently home-learning.

Second year and project leader for the initiative, Andrew Urben, said: “We aim to spread awareness for Fairtrade; how together we can support the farmers and workers who provide us with goods from all over the world.

"We would normally have planned a physical event, but the Covid restrictions led us to brainstorm how we could create events online to meet the requirements of our course, and also provide resources to support local schools at what is a difficult time for us all.”

The baking competition is open to children of all ages, and donations have been split into individual baking kits to be distributed through schools for use by pupils who may otherwise be unable to take part.

Fairtrade Fortnight takes place between February 22 and March 7 every year to encourage people to come together and share stories of those who grow our food and drinks. mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes.

Joseph Harrison, Campaign Coordinator with The Fairtrade Foundation, said: "By raising awareness about Fairtrade and the difference it can make to combating poverty, more people can make informed choices to support Fairtrade when they shop.

“The students’ Fairtrade Fortnight website is sharing vital information such as the fact that the farmers and workers who have contributed the least to climate crisis are among the world’s most vulnerable."

The campaign has been supported by Waitrose, Romsey and Sainsburys, Lordshill.

Information and links to the events and resources can be found on the Eastleigh College Fairtrade Fortnight website – https://sites.google.com/view/eastleighfairtrade/