TRADERS in Preston and South Ribble are being urged to support the city's bid to become a Fairtrade centre.

It comes as more and more places across the country compete to achieve the ethical trade accolade.

If enough local retail outlets agree to stock produce that pays a fair price to small farmers in developing countries, then the city could rank among the likes of Edinburgh, London and Chester as a place where radical social initiatives are promoted and supported.

John Collins, leader of Preston council, said: "It will raise the profile of the city of Preston showing that it's a caring place and the people have high moral values."

As a first step to supporting the campaign, the city council has already switched to providing Fairtrade products in their canteen and South Ribble council sells goods in the Civic Centre foyer.

Coun Collins said: "By taking the lead we are showing our support for this campaign. We wish to encourage local businesses to follow our lead by using the products."

Now a team from the local fairtrade Group have turned detective and are hunting down goods with the Fairtrade logo in shops, cafes, restaurants and local businesses.

Already 14 shops and seven cafes in Preston stock the ethically traded goods but to become a 'Fairtrade city' this number must double by next spring. The idea has even grabbed the attention of Preston market traders who are backing Fairtrade all the way.

Dave Maudsley, who runs a bag stall on the outdoor market, said: "Many of us want to help those in the developing countries and want to offer a selection of goods and give the public what they want."

Now a regional group is pushing for a Fairtrade mark for British produce and hope to have it in place next year.

Cath Greenlees, 59, of Franklands, Longton, is a member of the local fairtrade group. She has first-hand experience of how people in developing counties can benefit from fair trading after visiting Uganda seven years ago.

The mother-of-four said: "A Ugandan farmer who collects tea for a large company gets paid about 60p a day where as a farmer who collects tea for a Fairtrade company will be on £1.50.

"Fairtrade companies also plough money into the community which means that they have finances to build a school.

"It makes a huge difference to people's lives, they can pay for their children's education and buy medicines when they need them.

"If Preston becomes a Fairtrade city it's something the whole community can be proud of."

To find out more log on to the website at www.fairpreston.freeuk.com or call Liz McKay on 01772-743349.

But the local Fairtrade group are keen to get the message across that the initiative is not a threat to locally produced goods.

Chairman Anne Garsed said: "It's important to buy local produce, but Fairtrade goods are things you can't produce locally such as tropical fruit and rice. They work together hand-in-hand."