Going bananas for Fairtrade

Pupils from across Leeds came together last week to celebrate an important milestone for the city and its Fairtrade status.

For a whole decade Leeds has officially been a Fairtrade City, and to celebrate their tenth birthday children were invited to mark the special occasion with dignitaries from the city.

THUMBS-UP: Children from Beeston Primary School choir give their seal of approval with Burjor Langdana aka, the Fairtrade Banana

Hilary Benn MP, the Lord and Lady Mayor of Leeds, Greg Mulholland MP and Colombian banana farmer - Aimeth Fernandez, were just some of the guests present to mark the date.

14 schools, fair trade supporters, Foxwood steel pan band and of course a giant banana took part in an array of events.

Children led activities such as Fairtrade pass the parcel, pin the Fairtrade banana on the world map and Fairtrade sensory challenge.

A Fairtrade Bake off was entered by many schools and supporters with the Sinai Synagogue awarded first place, for their delicious Chocca Mocha Cake, by the Lady Mayor of Leeds.

“In 2004 Leeds worked very hard to involve the Council, Businesses, Faith Groups and Schools to attain Fairtrade City Status” said Fairtrade Leeds Chair Hannah Langdana.

“This party is a great opportunity to celebrate everyone’s hard work and remember how we are making a real difference to millions of people in the developing world who are getting a fair deal for their hard work.”