Malvern is poised to become one of only six Fairtrade towns in the country after an endorsement by the town council.

The move to encourage the sale of Fairtrade products in local shops and get a better deal for producers in developing countries was passed by 13 votes to none.

To become a Fairtrade town, Malvern needs to be home to two cafes that serve Fairtrade products, along with 10 businesses which use them. The products must be available in several shops.

St Anne's Well and Greenlink cafes already serve and sell Fairtrade products, along with most of the town's supermarkets who stock Fairtrade tea, coffee and sometimes bananas.

The Fairtrade Foundation will actually decide when Malvern is a fully-fledged Fairtrade town and then make an award to the town council.

Seven town councillors abstained from Monday's vote after Coun Paul Tuthill described the move as a "diversion" and "irrelevant".

The council had been approached by local promoters of Fairtrade products. But a number of members questioned exactly what being a Fairtrade town would actually mean for Malvern.

"I understand the motives behind this but surely this is a diversion for a town council," said Coun Tuthill.

"We're talking about something of worldwide consequence.

"I would have thought this is totally inappropriate for a town council. I really can't see its relevance to a town council or the impact it can have on it."

However, town mayor Frances Victory pointed out there would be no cost to the council and suggested that members might sleep more easily by agreeing to the move.

Eve Spence, of Malvern Fairtrade Group, welcomed the council's endorsement.

Speaking after the meeting, she said it would bring much-needed publicity to the Fairtrade cause and encourage Malvern businesses to get involved.

The chairman of Malvern Fairtrade Group Elaine Bass can be contacted on 01684 561440.