Beccles is celebrating more than a decade of supporting ethical food production as a Fairtrade town.

A series of events are lined up as the town embarks on its 11th Fairtrade Fortnight between February 24 and March 10.

Rose Norgate, of Beccles Fairtrade Town Steering Committee, said: “We have all been hearing a lot about trade deals lately.

“Making deals usually means setting out to get the most you can for your own immediate interests, and a good deal is one where the other party comes off worst.

“Fortunately there are many of us who prefer a fairer, more sustainable way of doing business, which has regard for everyone’s needs, and that is why Beccles Town Council is committed to maintaining the towns’ hard won Fairtrade Town status.

“Fairtrade Fortnight gives us the opportunity to remind everyone that there is now a great variety of goods on the market that have the Fairtrade certification.

“This little blue and green symbol is your guarantee the product has been made in safe and humane conditions and that the producer had been paid a fair and guaranteed price, plus a small premium for their community to use as they decide.

“It also ensures you’re buying a good value, quality product.”

Sir John Leman High School, in Ringsfield Road, will be staging special assemblies and activities around the topic – ensuring its pupils engage with the issue of trade justice.

A Fairtrade Chocolate Café will also be returning for its third year at Beccles Library on Saturday, March 9.

There will be activities for children including a chocolate trail organised by Hilary Pyburn and a Fairtrade themed Lego club organised by David Brambley-Crawshaw.

Beccles mayor Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, one of the organisers, said: “This event is always a pleasure to organise and the theme of chocolate lends itself well the café and Easter. Please come along and learn more about Fairtrade and help Fairtrade make sure we value farmers here and around the world.”

Wendy Moxon, chairman of the Beccles Fairtrade Committee, added: “We have worked hard to achieve Fairtrade status for the town, events like this are essential to raise the profile of Fairtrade and keep it alive.”