MONMOUTHSHIRE is now a Fairtrade county and will celebrate its new status with the flying of the Fairtrade flag at County Hall.

The chairwoman of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Sue White, will hoist the flag at 1pm on Thursday, November 20.

Councillors will meet members of the Fairtrade Town groups and sample Fairtrade refreshments at the Fairtrade Tea Party.

Students and children from schools in the county will also join in the celebrations and talk about what Fairtrade means to them.

Monmouth Comprehensive School is a Fairtrade school and many primary schools in the county are working towards this status too.

In Monmouthshire, there are over 50 shops, cafes, pubs, bed and breakfasts and hotels using and providing Fairtrade goods.

To get involved or find out more about Fairtrade in Monmouthshire contact sustainable communities officer Colette Mooney on 01633 644108 or email colettemooney@monmouthshire.gov.uk