BBC man to front Hadrian's Wall Fairtrade campaign

A new website www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk has been created to encourage businesses to support the use of Fairtrade products and highlight the commercial benefits of using the internationally recognised Fairtrade mark.

George Alagiah, who has been patron of the Fairtrade Foundation since 2002, will be at Carlisle Civic Centre for the launch in Friday.

He said: "It is my great pleasure to be part of the launch of the campaign to make Hadrian's Wall Country a Fairtrade Zone.

"By bringing together Northumberland, Newcastle and Cumbria County Councils, Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd and businesses, schools and community organisations in towns and villages along the Wall, the area would become the first world heritage site to achieve Fairtrade Zone status.

"I'm delighted to see organisations and residents come together to call for Fairtrade and build on the work of committed Fairtrade Towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, Brampton and Hexham and wish them every success as they work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status for such a beautiful area of the UK."

Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, which runs the Hadrian's Wall Locally Produced scheme, is also backing the Fairtrade campaign.

Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd was set up in 2006 to help look after, protect and conserve the world heritage site, as well as to enhance the quality of the visitor experience and increase the Wall's contribution to the local and regional economy through sustainable tourism.

Julie Sloan, sustainable development officer at Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, said: "We're a key supporter of the Hadrian's Wall Country Fairtrade campaign and wish the group every success with the launch.

"Following from the success of the Hadrian's Wall Locally Produced scheme, Fairtrade status for Hadrian's Wall Country would help to enhance our reputation as a destination that celebrates and encourages sustainable development."

VISITOR BOOST

Meanwhile, the Journal's Think North East First campaign saw North East attractions pull in more visitors during the February half-term than ever before, including a 34% increase in those heading to sites along Hadrian's Wall.

Northumberland tourism described the rises as "very encouraging".