FAIRTRADE Town status is a step closer for Poole after the town welcomed the RNLI on board as a flagship organisation.

Members of Poole's Fairtrade Steering Group paid a visit to the RNLI College to mark the new partnership, which will see a number of sustainable Fairtrade products such as coffee, sugar and chocolate served to staff and visitors.

As well as switching to using Fairtrade products in the college's bar and restaurant where possible, it is also now committed to promoting Fairtrade and the ideas behind the scheme, set up in 1992 by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Poole's Fairtrade Steering Group, which is supported by Borough of Poole, has been working to achieve Fairtrade Town status for some time, encouraging the sale of Fairtrade products by retailers and food outlets across the town, as well as working with schools.

Ewan Steele, hotel services manager at the RNLI College said: “We look forward to working with Poole’s Fairtrade Steering Group in an attempt to spread the message here in Poole even further.

"We recognise that we still have work to do ourselves in broadening our range of Fairtrade products but look forward to this challenge and the opportunities it can bring for both ourselves and Poole as a town.”

Cllr John Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, Borough of Poole, commented: “It is great to see the RNLI College joining us in our bid to make Poole a Fairtrade Town. They are a hugely well-respected organisation, and I hope will encourage other businesses in the town to follow their example.”

Gwyn Jones, chair of Poole’s Fairtrade Steering Group added, “A great deal of hard work has gone in to making Poole a Fairtrade Town, and we are delighted to welcome the RNLI College to the group. We are excited that in Poole, many schools, church groups, retailers and local cafes are all enthusiastically supporting Fairtrade.

"The initiative gives Poole traders and residents the opportunity to make a lasting change, and we look forward to working together to achieve this.”