SHOPPERS in South Gloucestershire can now buy their goods with a clear conscience as the district has been awarded Fairtrade status.

The much-coveted title means businesses, organisations, schools and councils in the area have made a commitment to support Fairtrade products and use products with the Fairtrade Mark.

Cllr Shirley Holloway, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: "This is a terrific achievement for everyone involved in getting the Fairtrade status for South Gloucestershire.

"There are strict goals set by Fairtrade to achieve this status and the efforts of everyone in South Gloucestershire have meant we have excelled in meeting these challenging goals."

South Gloucestershire Council, which led the campaign, has spent the last three years working with different community groups to gain the status.

Activities have included surveys in shops, catering outlets, businesses, community centres, schools and churches, the production of a directory listing all places where Fairtrade products can be bought, the development of a local Fairtrade website and Fairtrade community events.

In 2006 councillors passed a resolution to support and promote Fairtrade in the area.

Hannah Reed, campaigns manager of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "Our thanks and congratulations to South Gloucestershire on becoming a Fairtrade district and for the amazing amount of energy, commitment and creativity that has gone in to making Fairtrade a part of how the community shops, celebrates and does business.

"With two billion people in developing countries struggling to survive on less than $2 a day and many more pushed into chronic hunger by rising food and fuel prices, Fairtrade is needed now more than ever.

"We look forward to seeing how the campaign develops as more people, schools, businesses and community organisations come together to bring about positive change by choosing Fairtrade."

For more information on Fairtrade in South Gloucestershire, visit the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/fairtrade