HYNDBURN could become a Fairtrade borough in a matter of months, it has been revealed.

To become an official Fairtrade borough, 17 retail outlets and nine catering outlets across Hyndburn must pledge to sell or serve at least two of the group's products.

The Hyndburn Fairtrade Campaign is calling on businesses to help out, and sign up to the cause.

If the campaign is successful, Hyndburn could become a Fairtrade borough during the official Fairtrade fortnight from March 1 to March 13 next year.

Pendle is the only borough in East Lancashire to have met the criteria necessary to achieve Fairtrade status. Fairtrade helps provide better trading conditions for farmers in the developing world by paying them a guaranteed price.

So far, eight retail outlets in Hyndburn are selling the products. Oxfam, Co-op branches at Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood and Oswaldtwistle, and Asda all sell products, including coffee and chocolate.

Fairtrade tea and coffee are also available at three catering outlets -- Accrington Asda cafe, Tiffany's cafe at Haworth Art Gallery, and New Era Centre.

Mr Stapleford said: "From a purely business point of view, there's a lot of demand for Fairtrade products. A lot of people are starting to vote with their money."

Mike Stapleford, of the environmental charity Prospects Foundation, is helping to administer the campaign.

He said: "We have set ourselves the target just to get us that extra spur to get the remaining outlets."

Hyndburn Fairtrade Campaign is being supported by groups from across the borough, including businesses, the council and faith groups.

The campaign is also supplying car stickers to get the message across to the borough.

For a sticker, or more information, call the Prospects Foundation on 01254 380675.