PUPILS at Churchfields Academy were given the opportunity to learn the importance of fair trade in developing countries.

The school invited 60 pupils to attend lively workshops as part of a Fairtrade Enterprise event organised by retailer The Midcounties Co-operative.

The Year 8 students were given the task of producing a campaign along with a poster to highlight just why buying Fairtrade is important.

Volunteers from Midcounties judged the entries in a Dragon’s Den-style panel to select the best campaign and awarded prizes of Fairtrade goods.

Angela Percival, director of business and community at Churchfields, said: “We had a total of 60 pupils taking part in the various Fairtrade themed workshops.

“They gained an in depth understanding of the benefits of purchasing Fairtrade products and the positive effect it brings to producers across the world.

“The pupils were able to appreciate the importance of ethical trading with people gaining a fair price for their goods.

“We want children to understand how important Fairtrade is and the Co-operative model is a fantastic way of demonstrating key elements.”

The day was held to raise awareness with schools to purchase products which carry the Fairtrade mark.

The mark guarantees the producers a fair price and also provides an additional social premium to fund vital community projects.