PUPILS learnt about Fairtrade food as they took part in their school's Harvest Festival.

Youngsters at Clevelands Preparatory School in Heaton put together all kinds of food to showcase what fairly traded food can be bought from a number of high street shops.

It was not just the usual coffee and tea that took centre stage — cereals, bread, fresh vegetables, chocolate bars and all sorts of canned food adorned the display.

Jim Hollyman, coordinator of Fairtrade in Bolton, said: "I think it is vital that both children and adults learn more about the unfairness of international trade so it is great to see children taking action and having their own Fairtrade harvest festival.

"Children are leading the way �— what they are doing is ultimately helping some of the poorest farmers in our own world trade themselves out of poverty.

"It is literally saving lives and there can't be anything more important than that."

Bolton is at the forefront of the Fairtrade movement, with more than 3,000 products available in the town that do not exploit the environment or the people who produce them.

A number of high-profile celebrities have been involved in promoting the town's Fairtrade Fortnight, including comedian Dave Spikey, Radio One DJ Sara Cox and boxing champion Amir Khan.

Bolton was one of the first places in the UK to be accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation in March 2003 when it was officially declared to be a Fairtrade town.

Bolton Council has supported the Fairtrade campaign since 2002 and the Mayor of Bolton is patron of Fairtrade in Bolton.

In March 2009, the council unanimously passed a resolution re-confirming its commitment to Fairtrade.

Fairtrade refreshments are served at council meetings and there are Fairtrade food and drink options and Fairtrade Foundation materials in council office refreshment areas.