Brighton and Hove will formally launch its bid to become a Fairtrade city on Thursday.

Oxfam and Brighton and Hove City Council want to give it Fairtrade status.

They need to attract as many business owners as possible to sell fairly traded products to secure the title.

Oxfam spokeswoman Chris Cronin said: "With the support of local businesses, consumers and the council to stock, sell, buy and promote Fairtrade produce, Brighton and Hove could join the 20 towns already committed to the plan and become the first Fairtrade city in the South."

A Third World farmer who is a beneficiary of the scheme and the founder of Britain's first Fairtrade town will be among the speakers.

A set of principles has been drawn up by the international Fairtrade Foundation, which gives products, including honey, bananas, mangoes and sugar, its stamp of approval.

To become a Fairtrade city, Brighton and Hove has to meet a list of criteria outlined by the foundation.

Ms Cronin said: "Anyone is welcome to come along and hear about this exciting project."

The event will be at the Brighthelm Centre in North Road from 7.30pm.

Tuesday August 26, 2003