LET’S PLAY FAIR A VISIT from a banana farmer, a football match and fundraising events will all help to mark Fairtrade Fortnight in Weymouth and Portland.

Fairtrade is a movement that aims to help producers in developing countries and improve trading conditions.

Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until March 9, is an annual event promoting the brand and celebrating ethical trading values.

This March sees Weymouth and Port-land celebrating eight years as a ‘Fairtrade Zone’. Its success is down to work done in local schools – particularly St John’s Primary which was the area’s first Fairtrade School – the growing number of shops and cafes selling Fairtrade products, and the public choosing to buy the goods.

Elisabeth Orrell from the Weymouth and Portland Fairtrade Forum said: “The campaign to see a fairer deal for farmers around the world goes on all year, but Fairtrade Fortnight sees a focus with events to highlight issues.

“In Weymouth and Portland we are delighted to be hosting a visit next week of a banana farmer and businesswoman from St Lucia in the Windward Isles. Dorothy Agard will be visiting three primary schools where she will be talking about her work.”

Mrs Orrell added: “Fairtrade bananas were first introduced into UK stores by Sainsbury’s in 2000, and now one in four of all the bananas purchased in the shops is Fairtrade.”

Also happening will be the annual Nash Cup, the inter-schools football tournament on March 7.

‘Fairtrade footballs’ made by adults getting a living wage will be used in the matches. Events to promote Fairtrade are also being held at schools and by community groups.

A Fairtrade coffee morning will be held at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Stavordale Road, Wey-mouth on Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am. Entrance is 50p includes coffee or tea. Most of the cakes will be made from Fairtrade ingredients.