COUNTY Hall chiefs have ordered staff to think of Third World poverty, by only buying coffee and tea from companies which support poor economies.

A new purchasing policy has been introduced by Lancashire County Council which tells staff responsible for buying in products that they should think green -- and also think fair.

They are being told to give preference to products which bear the 'Fairtrade' logo when looking at which food products, such as honey, chocolate, tea and coffee, when buying products with county council cash.

The move follows several presentations by local Fairtrade activist groups who want to see more large organisations setting an example by only buying products which are produced by companies which give employees a fair deal.

The Fairtrade organisation was set up to help farmers and workers living in some of the world's poorest countries, get a better deal for their work.

For companies to be allowed to use the Fairtrade logo on their products, they must pay above market prices to their suppliers, which enables the workers to improve their lives and take more control, rather than struggling to make ends meet.

County council leader Hazel Harding, said: "We recognise that a large organisation like Lancashire County Council can have a major impact on the environment and sustainable development in the way we buy and use goods and services.

"This policy is only one step towards reducing the impact we have on our environment and the people around us, but I believe we are encouraging people to act responsibly.

"By taking small steps we can make a big difference."

A seminar has already been held for purchasing staff to find out ways of using Fairtrade products without breaking the council's budget.

The Fairtrade mark currently appears on more than 100 different products, including coffee, tea, bananas, cocoa, chocolate bars, snacks, biscuits, honey and sugar and are available in most supermarkets, while some areas have special Fairtrade shops.