LANCASTER should become a 'Fair Trade City' according to the council's Green group.

Green councillors this week backed a call for the council to adopt ethical purchasing and investment policies.

This could include buying locally produced goods and services and recycled products to minimise the impact on the environment.

Group leader, Cllr Emily Heath, said: " There are an increasing number of fairly traded goods available now, including tea, coffee, fruit juice and sugar.

"The city council should be taking the lead in ensuring that it promotes decent wages and conditions for workers around the world by using these goods itself."

Cllr Jon Barry added: "The city council has put aside money in its 2002/2003 budget.

"This should not only allow the council to save money through centralised purchasing but it should also enable us to put ethical procurement policies in place.

"This will help to reduce the city council's impact on the environment and boost the local economy and local jobs."