SOUTHEND'S commitment to improving the lives of farmers in the developing world has been recognised through a charity award.

The town was named an official Fairtrade borough by charity the Fairtrade Foundation, which helps farmers and workers get better prices and decent working conditions.

A partnership between Southend Council and Fairtrade supporters in the town has seen a number of businesses, cafes, shops and schools support the movement, allowing the town to qualify for the award.

Councillor Andrew Moring, a member of Southend Council's Fairtrade steering group, which promotes the movement in the town, said: “This is great news!

Well done to everyone involved for all the hard work that has been done throughout the borough to make this possible.

"This action will help ensure decent working arrangement for all farmers and workers, not just those in the developing world.

“We must make sure we can keep people thinking and choosing Fairtrade in the Borough, and really try and build on this success to better people’s lives.”

For more information on Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.uk