CHELMSFORD’S status as a Fairtrade City was renewed earlier this week.

Chelmsford was the first town in Essex, and the Eastern Region, to achieve the award in 2005, and now has at least 148 retailers, employers, community and other groups supporting Fairtrade.

Representatives from Chelmsford City Council and the Chelmsford Fairtrade City Campaign met in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Civic Centre on Tuesday to renew the status.

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Bob Villa, said: “The City Council is proud to retain Chelmsford’s status as a Fairtrade City and is keen to encourage the support of local businesses and the community.

“Being a Fairtrade City is a tremendous accomplishment and I would like to thank everyone for their support and hope we can continue to promote Fairtrade in Chelmsford.”

Secretary of the Chelmsford Fairtrade City Campaign, Malcolm Wallace, said: "The people of Chelmsford can be proud of the work they have done in promoting and buying Fairtrade products. Every purchase really helps."

For more information about the Chelmsford City Fairtrade Campaign, visit www.chelmsfordfairtrade.wordpress.com/