FAIRTRADE fortnight kicks off in Brent next week with a special event to promote the borough's credentials.

The fashion exhibition on Thursday at the Town Hall will focus on the story of the cotton industry and features photographs of famous models sporting Fairtrade goods.

Shoppers will also be able to sample African and Caribbean food as well as buy their own Fairtrade clothes – before watching a short film featuring Sir Steve Redgrave visiting cotton producers in Mali.

Chairman of Brent Fairtrade Network, Dr Peter Moore, said: "Fairtrade is special for millions of producers of food, drink, footballs, flowers and cotton. And it is also special for us in Brent.

"Buying products with the Fairtrade logo is a straightforward way we can help poor people thousands of miles away.

"It gives millions of people in Africa, Asia and Latin America a chance to work their way out of poverty with dignity, by guaranteeing a decent price for what they produce.

"On top of that, they are paid a premium that they in their community decide how to spend, for example on health facilities. They are also assured of safe and healthy working conditions and the right to form trade unions."

Brent Council is trying to gain Fairtrade status and wants to promote accredited products as part of its community strategy.

The event will be opened by the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Harbhajan Singh, at 5pm. Click here to find out more information.