A CAMPAIGN is underway to make Bolton a "Fairtrade" town where shops, businesses, cafes and restaurants help Third World producers receive wages they can live on.

In order to be awarded Fairtrade status, the town must meet targets on the number of places that sell goods bearing the Fairtrade mark.

A steering group, representing community organisations has been set up to co-ordinate the campaign.

Chairman of the group is the Rev Jim Hollyman, retired vicar of St Andrew and St George United Reformed Church. He is confident the town will meet the required targets.

He said: "The more people who buy fairly traded goods the more they are helping the people who produce the food. We do not want to be seen to only be supporting third world producers but also local producers."

The Fairtrade Mark is the international badge for goods that have been produced with fairness for the people who make them and for the environment.

It guarantees that producers have received a fair wage and that part of the cost goes towards providing better healthcare and education for some of the world's poorest communities.

As Bolton has a 267,000 strong population there needs to be 27 retail outlets and 14 catering establishments stocking Fairtrade products for the new status to be awarded.

Presently the steering group, whose members include Cllr Donald Eastman, is aware of 15 retail outlets and six catering establishments stocking the products. Eight churches use fair trade goods for functions and there is at least one local food producer and deliverer.

Cafes offering Fairtrade goods include Ridgways Cafe in Victoria Hall and the Socialist Club in Wood Street.

Bolton's supermarkets have made a Fairtrade commitment with Asda and Morrisons both selling Fairtrade tea, coffee and chocolate.

Bolton Council has also pledged its support for the campaign.

Within the next two weeks the steering group will circulate 10,000 copies of their new guide around the town centre listing the places where Fairtrade goods are stocked.

Cllr Eastman said: "We want to encourage more shops to stock Fairtrade products and more people to buy them."Traidcraft shops, trading as Justicia in Bolton, Oxfam shops or other reputable fairtrade retailers.

To find out more about Bolton's Fairtrade campaign log on to: www.boltoncommunity.co.uk/boltonfairtrade/