ACTIVITIES are being staged across the district to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.

Events will be held face-to-face and online in support of the annual campaign, which is launched on Monday (February 21).

The packed programme includes a session with Great British Bake Off contestant Sandy Docherty, in Haworth.

The village's fairtrade group is hosting the event, at Pennybank House on Thursday, March 3, at 5pm.

Admission is free but numbers are limited, so booking is required by emailing upstairsatpennybank@gmail.com.

Haworth has been at the forefront of the Fairtrade movement.

It was the eighth place – and the first village – to be awarded Fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation on November 22, 2002, in recognition of its efforts supporting the global campaign to promote ethically-sourced goods.

This year's Fairtrade Fortnight is focusing on raising awareness around the plight of farmers and producers in countries where workers are affected by low pay, difficult work conditions and – increasingly – climate change.

A spokesperson said: "Fairtrade seeks to campaign for social justice – and buying products which display the Fairtrade logo means that customers are supporting farmers and workers to improve their lives and those of their communities."

Online activities will include talks by farmers in countries supported by Fairtrade, discussions on topics such as the impact of climate change, storytelling, competitions and cooking demonstrations.

Bradford district became a Fairtrade zone in March, 2006, and a special flag promoting the status is being flown from City Hall throughout the fortnight – plus, the building is being illuminated in the Fairtrade colours of blue and green.

Bradford Council is joining with a number of organisations, including the University of Bradford, in support of the campaign.

Keighley East councillor Caroline Firth, the council’s fairtrade champion, said: "We are proud to have supported Fairtrade for over 15 years.

"With the effects of climate change already impacting on farmers and workers and posing future threats to their livelihoods, this support is all the more vital."

Stuart McKinnon-Evans – the University of Bradford's project board sponsor, sustainable development programme – said: "As a university and as individual consumers we have the power to make our world a better, more ethical and sustainable place. By making the right buying choices, we have the power to tackle many of the world’s greatest challenges, from poverty and child labour to climate change."

For more about Fairtrade in the district, visit bradford.gov.uk/your-community/fairtrade/fairtrade-zone/.