DURHAM County Council is backing a campaign to give Third World producers a better deal.

It has become a Fairtrade Council and buys products from developing countries through a scheme that gives farmers and growers a fair price for their goods.

Chairman Alan Fenwick said: "This commits us not only to increasing the range of Fairtrade products on offer at our establishments and events but also to raising the awareness of Fairtrade issues and continuing to play an active role in developing local and regional Fairtrade partnerships."

The council offers Fairtrade coffee and tea at meetings and has Fairtrade drinks and confectionery vending machines.