LANCASHIRE has celebrated becoming a Fairtrade County.

A special celebration event was held this week at County Hall in Preston to mark the achievement.

Lancashire is only the ninth county in the UK to gain Fairtrade accreditation.

The county council passed a resolution in 2013, to only use Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings, and in its offices and catering facilities whenever hot drinks are served.

The event at took place during Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday (Mar 8).

County leader Jenny Mein said: “Garstang was the first Fairtrade town in 2001. Since then many towns, cities, districts and even organisations themselves have now gained accreditation and we’re delighted that Lancashire has been added to this growing list.

“We’ve made a firm commitment to use Fairtrade products, promote Fairtrade and support the work of the Lancashire Fairtrade Steering Group.

“Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

“We want to support communities and help them to protect the areas where they live and work.”

Representatives from the county council were joined at the event by representatives from Blackburn Diocese which also has Fairtrade accreditation. along with Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle borough councils.