ILMINSTER is the first town in south Somerset to become a Fairtrade town, and the official award marking its status has been presented to the mayor.

Following a successful first year of campaigning, the Ilminster Fairtrade Steering Group said it was delighted to present the award to Cllr Emma Jane Taylor, on behalf of the people of Ilminster.

Chairman of Ilminster Fairtrade Roger Gurner thanked everyone who had supported them throughout the year and particularly cited the financial support provided by grants from The Gooch Trust, Ilminster Forum, The South Somerset Community Fund and Lady Caroline Cameron’s fund, as well as the support of the town council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Although the town has now achieved initial Fairtrade status, Mr Gurner points out that this is simply the start of the campaign and that the steering group will continue to seek further support from both the industrial and accommodation areas of the community during the coming months.

Mr Gurner said: “There are already 16 individual retail outlets offering Fairtrade products in Ilminster and the hope is to encourage more.

“The campaign has widespread support from the local churches and schools and it is hoped that this too will grow over the coming years.

“Fairtrade status has to be reapplied for after the first year and each second year thereafter and so the steering group could not rest on its laurels, but will continue to attend every appropriate social and business event in and around the town in order to publicise the campaign and seek to find further ways to increase and improve the awareness and availability of Fairtrade goods and services wherever possible.”