Horwich could soon follow in Bolton's footsteps by becoming a Fair Trade town.

Town councillors are keen to encourage the sale of products grown by independent producers from the Third World in the hope of achieving Fair Trade status.

The town would have to meet criteria in order to qualify and, although in the early stages, Cllr Barbara Ronson feels the town is in a better position than many because of Middlebrook Retail Park.

Supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco already support the scheme, which ensures Third World producers get a fair price for their goods.

In addition to ensuring Fair Trade products - such as tea, coffee and chocolate - are available in the town's shops and cafes, Horwich Town Council must agree to serve the goods in their offices and at meetings and functions.

The council must also encourage local businesses and community organisations, such as schools and churches, to take part.

Cllr Ronson said: "Garstang was the first Fair Trade town, which shows that small towns, as well as large ones, can take part.

"People recognise that there are problems in the world, but may think there is nothing they can do about it, but there is. By buying Fair Trade products, we are helping people less fortunate than ourselves."

Bolton already has Fair Trade status and has a specialist shop, Justicia, in Knowsley Street.

, which sells a large range of goods from all over the world.