PENDLE Borough Council will target 18 stores across the borough as they bid to to become East Lancashire's first Fairtrade Zone.

A resolution to support the scheme has been put to Pendle Council and a working group set up to oversee the scheme.

The resolution, passed earlier this year, was the first of five steps outlined by the Fairtrade Foundation which towns or cities must take before becoming a Fairtrade area.

Now the Fairtrade Foundation, set up in 1992 to tackle poverty in Third World countries by enabling disadvantaged producers of goods like coffee and chocolate to get a better deal by selling them in developed countries, has suggested a target of 18 stores which should sell Fairtrade products.

If Pendle is to become the region's first Fairtrade zone -- Garstang was the country's first Fairtrade town -- then it will have to satisfy the five criteria laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Pass a resolution supporting the aims of Fairtrade, including serving Fairtrade tea and coffee at all council meetings

Ensure a range of Fairtrade products are available in local shops and served in at least two cafes and restaurants

Ensure Fairtrade products are used by at least ten local businesses

Attract media support

Set up a local Fairtrade steering group to ensure long-term commitment to the Fairtrade status.

Other optional measures include setting up street signs declaring the zone as a Fairtrade area, producing a directory telling people where products can be bought and organising educational campaigns to tell people about the aims of the foundation.

The borough council will now identify which stores could take part in the scheme.