By Elizabeth Broughton

Last updated at 10:49, Saturday, 25 July 2009

The campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall country a Fairtrade zone is gathering momentum.

BBC newsreader George Alagiah, patron of the Fairtrade Foundation, launched the campaign earlier in the year and so far more than 90 business and 50 individuals – from as far away as Spain and Darjeeling in India – have registered their support for it.

Now, in a bid to continue spreading the word far and wide, the Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Campaign has produced a short film which it hopes to show at cinemas and other public venues.

The film, which features members of the group talking about the positive benefits of the campaign, is also available to view online at www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk.

Lauren Harrison, chairwoman for the Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Campaign, said: “With the growing support for the campaign and the new DVD, we’ve taken another big step closer to becoming the first World Heritage Site with Fairtrade zone status.”

Hadrian’s Wall country covers an area 10 miles on either side of the world heritage site, and the campaign has a representative from each of the area’s towns, including Carlisle and Brampton.

To gain Fairtrade status, an area must show it has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using products with the Fairtrade mark.

Julie Sloan, sustainable development officer at Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, said: “We’re a key supporter of the Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Campaign, so are keen to see this growing support from local businesses and overseas followers. Fairtrade status for Hadrian’s Wall Country would help to enhance our reputation as a destination that celebrates and encourages sustainable development in one of England’s most unique landscapes.”

Anyone interested in screening the film should contact Lauren Harrison on 016977 47962.

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 23 July 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk