TWO groups that promote fair trade in Worcestershire have been awarded hundreds of pounds from supermarket giant Co-op.

The Malvern Fairtrade Group, which was instrumental in the town's achievement of fair trade status, receives £450 to pay for the design of a new fair trade directory and for venue hire.

The directory will list the benefits of fair trade and name outlets selling fair trade goods.

Eileen Richardson, secretary of Malvern Fairtrade Group, said: "We hold many events to promote fair trade such as talks at school assemblies, fair trade wine tasting evenings and stalls in shopping areas in the town.

"Thanks to this donation we can continue with our events and tell people where they can buy fair trade products."

The Co-op has also awarded a further £500 to the Worcester Trade Justice Network, which is working towards achieving fair trade status for the city. The group is made up of volunteers from various organisations and they are using the money in its campaign.

Anthony Wood, Worcester Trade Justice Network co-ordinator, said: "We have already been successful in encouraging the council's catering contractor to use fair trade products and the local college of technology has also achieved fair trade status.

"We want to do more than just meet the criteria of obtaining fair trade status and this money from the Co-op will help us in our campaign," Mr Wood said.

The money comes from the community dividend fund, which is part of the Co-operative Group's dividend customer loyalty card scheme that allows shoppers to donate the extra pence in their twice-yearly dividend pay-outs to worthy causes.

Co-op regional secretary Mark Field said: "The community dividend fund can make a lasting contribution to communities and we are delighted to reward such worthwhile organisations."