Blackpool's bid to become a fair trade town will be relaunched this month with the help of hoteliers.

They're being invited to a meeting with the bid's steering group at Blackpool Town Hall on March 28, in an effort to get the campaign back on track.

In order to get the respected 'fair trade town' title -- awarded by The Fairtrade Foundation -- the resort must meet several goals, including a certain number of local businesses selling Fairtrade products.

Campaigners thought they'd achieved it, but then discovered that chain stores, such as Marks and Spencer don't count. So they're hoping instead that hoteliers will agree to serve up Fairtrade products such as tea and coffee to guests -- helping to win Blackpool an internationally recognised accolade, and boost quality of life in developing countries at the same time.

A spokeswoman for Blackpool's steering group said: "We actually reached the right number of retailers, but when we told the Fairtrade Foundation, that's when we found out that the chains, the high street stores, wouldn't count. But there aren't really enough small, private firms here. So we thought we could ask hoteliers instead."

As well as enough local businesses serving up fair trade goods -- for which producers are paid a fair price for goods and labour -- Blackpool Council must also pass a resolution supporting fair trade, and serve fair trade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices.

The Fairtrade Foundation also sets a target for the number of local work places, such as estate agents and hairdressers, and community organisations, such as churches and schools, which must use fair trade products.

And if Blackpool's bid is successful, the steering group must keep meeting to ensure the town stays committed to fair trade status.

The Blackpool relaunch follows on from the national Fairtrade Fortnight, an annual awareness raiser starting on March 6.