Mike Penning has welcomed the award of 'Fairtrade Town' status on Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding villages.

Mike received the award on behalf of the people and businesses of the town from Hannah Reed of the Fairtrade Foundation at an event held at Tiki Cafe.

A 'Fairtrade Directory - a guide to eating, drinking and buying Fairtrade in and around Hemel Hempstead' has been produced.

Mike said:
"I encourage people to think about buying Fairtrade goods to help ensure the providers get a fair price for their efforts."

Hannah Reed said:
"Two billion people are struggling to survive on less than £1 a day, this is a third of humanity. Climate change is also having a massive impact on these communities, our help is needed now more than ever. Fairtrade is not charity, it is a fair price. We need to continue to encourage people to bring about positive change through daily choices."

Hemel Hempstead becomes the 458th Fairtrade town in the UK and the 13th in Herts.

Photo: Hannah Reed from the Fairtrade Foundation, Francois Henderson of Hemel Hempstead Fairtrade Steering Group, Mike Penning MP and Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council.

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