STUDENTS in the North-East have staged an overnight vigil as part of a campaign calling for trade fairness.
Twelve youngsters from the FairTrade group at Carmel RC Technology College, in Darlington, stayed awake through the night on Friday to support the Wake Up To Trade Justice campaign.
Similar vigils were held across the world, calling on the Government to help change trade laws when Britain gains presidency of the European Union this year.
Students took part in a variety of events during the night, including banner-making and a prayer vigil in the college chapel.
They shared a FairTrade breakfast on Saturday morning, and finished their vigil with Mass at the Carmelite Convent, in Nunnery Lane, at 8.30am. Danielle Moss, 14, said: "Trade justice is all about fairness and the idea that we are all equal.
"It is only right that everyone should have an equal share in the world's resources. Staying awake all night is a small price to pay to highlight the injustice we see."
Teacher David Bayne said: "The students' sense of justice and willingness to actively campaign for an end to unfair trade is inspirational."
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