Congratulations - you are now living in a Fairtrade borough.

Maidstone has been awarded the status by the Fairtrade Foundation for its commitment to improving conditions in global trade.

The County Town achieved the accolade by meeting five goals.

The borough cuncil had to commit to support Fairtrade; a range of Fairtrade products had to be sold and served in the town - 30 cafes and 21 shops are now on board and Fairtrade is being used by 15 businesses, 22 churches, 44 schools and two community groups.

The issue had to also get local media coverage.

Stuart Jeffery, chair of Maidstone Fairtrade steering committee said: "Thisis a real testament to the hard work by the members of Fairtrade Committee and by the many supporters of Fairtrade in Maidstone. Achieving Fairtrade Borough status is a great honour and demonstrates that the people of Maidstone care about the wider world."