SWINDON-born Apprentice star Nick Hewer is to host this year's South West Fair Trade Business Awards.

The former right-hand man to Sir Alan Sugar in the reality TV show The Apprentice will present the awards in Bristol.

The awards, now in their seventh year, will celebrate the best ethical businesses in the region that promote fair trade products.

Nick, whose father owned a veterinary practice in Old Town, moved to London as a PR trainee and became a board member after six years and eventually bought the company out to become the sole shareholder.

Businesses attending either win bronze or gold awards for their fairtrade credentials.

Also speaking at the awards ceremony will be The Fairtrade Foundation’s head of supply chain management LJ Loftus and Nicaraguan Fairtrade coffee producer Junieth Lieva.

Businesses can find more information and enter for free until the end of January by visiting www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk/swftba.

All successful entrants will receive a free ticket to the ceremony, which takes place at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol on March 8.