CHRISTMAS shoppers are being encouraged to top up on fairtrade items during the festive season by the Pendle Fairtrade Group.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Pendle is proud to have been the first borough in the UK to be awarded Fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation.”

Peter Nowland, chair of Pendle Fairtrade Group, said: “It is the best time of year to think about where our food comes from and better conditions and prices for farmers.”