FRESH efforts are being made to help Darlington become a Fairtrade town.

The Fairtrade initiative is designed to ensure that farmers in developing countries get a fair price for goods such as tea, coffee, sugar, bananas and cocoa.

Last year, Darlington Borough Council agreed to support the campaign and agreed that Fairtrade tea and coffee would be served at council meetings.

Now, the council wants to promote the initiative to the wider community.

A survey of retailers that stock Fairtrade products is to be carried out. Some community groups and schools have shown an interest in the scheme.

The council has also established a Fairtrade steering group, which has developed an action plan.