VISITORS to a summer sale can help Africa's poorest people.

The Africa House, which sells goods made in the continent, will exhibit at Ripley Castle to highlight the poor pay and work conditions in Africa.

Based at Pateley Bridge, the company specialises in goods traded fairly from southern and eastern Africa.

Founder Jonathan Knocker said: "Fairtrade, which enables African suppliers to compete with established competitors in Europe and the UK, is an idea whose time has finally come.

"We are resolute in ensuring that every possible opportunity be given to African-based producers to maximise their skills, talent and ability through successful marketing of a range of high-quality produce.

"We will only deal with organisations that provide fair employment conditions to staff, which must include a fair salary and related conditions not always enjoyed in the developing world."

In the UK, sales of fairtrade produce in 2004 exceeded £130m to become the biggest fair trade market in the world.

Goods such as wine racks, baskets, clothes and beadwork made in Africa will be on sale at the castle.

The sale, supported by BBC Home and Antiques, will take place from June 8 to 11.

* www.theafricahouse.com