YOUNGSTERS at a Swanage primary school have addressed local dignitaries on poverty, hunger and justice, as part of a fair trade project.

The St Mary’s RC Primary School pupils, from Year 5, made speeches for the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) project before members of the town council, Fair Trade representatives and Christian Aid.

CAFOD education volunteer Bea Taylor said: “The speakers presented their work clearly and with diction. All stood with dignity and poise.”

Although the event was not a fundraiser, the audience donated about £25.

Bea said: “This is a CAFOD project designed to complement the literacy curriculum and teaches research techniques, not taking, argument and persuasive writing."