Dover has been granted Fairtrade status.

News of the award comes at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight when a number of special events have been organised.

Hannah Reed, campaigns cio-ordinator for the Fairtrade Foundation, said "phenomenal progress" had been made over the last year to achieve some of the goals needed to gain the status.

These particularly concerned encouraging businesses in the town as well as church and community groups to use Fairtrade goods, and obtaining media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

Ms Reed congratulated everyone in the town for all their hard work and commitment.

She presented the award to Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Jones at a reception at Dover Town Council offices on Thursday evening.

Among those at the reception was the Rev Dr Michael Hinton who approached the town council back in 2005 to ask the councillors to support the work already being done by local churches promoting Fairtrade.

The bid for Fairtrade Status was launched and in July that year, the council agreed to use and commend fairly traded products wherever possible and to become a Fairtrade authority. Since then, Fairtrade products have been used at all events and meetings in the council offices.

The council has also set a budget to support the project, supported the production of two newsletters, bought a Fairtrade banner for use at outside events, and produced a pledge document for people to sign to support the bid.

The foundation has expressed some concern, that the counci's resolution does not go far enough. Despite stating support for Fairtrade, the resolution does not clearly commit the council to using Fairtrade products and a stronger resolution will be required for the status to be renewed next year.