LOVE FAIR TRADE THIS VALENTINES DAY

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Feb 2007

Fiona is encouraging people to 'love Fair Trade' this Valentines Day.

Chocolates, wine or a romantic meal for two? Whatever you are doing this Valentines Day, local MEP Fiona Hall says that loving Fair Trade really can make a difference.

The development spokesperson said:

"Choosing Fairtrade helps hundreds of thousands of producers in developing countries to compete in global markets.

"The North East has seen a massive increase in Fair Trade sales over the last two years.

"Alnwick has just joined Morpeth, Newcastle and Hartlepool as a North East Fairtrade town and Chester le Street, Darlington, Durham, Gateshead and Stockton are working towards Fairtrade status, so many more shops now stock Fairtrade products making it easier to pick up the perfect Valentines gift."

Fairtrade Foundation Executive Director Harriet Lamb added:

"Many people still only think of tea and coffee when they think of Fairtrade, but there is now a huge range of products, and a huge range of choice within each product category. So there is something for everyone".

And, if it's too late to Love Fair Trade for Valentines Day Ms Hall says that the whole of Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from 26 February until 11 March will be a great opportunity for people to choose Fairtrade, with events all over the region.