Let's all take a step together to help farmers and workers in developing countries.

That was the cry from Lowestoft mayor Tod Sullivan and Beccles mayor Brian Woodruff as they urged people to support Fairtrade Fortnight.

The theme for this year's campaign – which starts on Monday – is for people to take One Step for Fairtrade, by buying new Fairtrade products or organising their own events.

Mr Sullivan and Waveney District Council launched their own One Step support plea at the Martello Coffee House in the Sparrow's Nest gardens on Tuesday.

He said: 'It is very easy to take one step for Fairtrade and Lowestoft is proud to support the principles of fair wages for farmers and producers.'

Buying and selling Fairtrade goods produced in developing countries offers farmers and workers a better chance to work their way out of poverty, through fairer wages, safer conditions at work and the Fairtrade premium, which allows them to invest in projects that can improve life for their communities.

In 2004, Lowestoft blazed a trail by becoming Suffolk's first Fairtrade Town. Beccles followed suit in 2008.

On Tuesday, Mr Sullivan was joined at the local campaign launch by Mr Woodruff; Waveney District Council leader Colin Law; Fairtrade ambassador and district councillor for Beccles Graham Elliott; and representatives from the two towns' Fairtrade committees.

For more on the Fairtrade Fortnight One Step campaign, visit www.step.fairtrade.org.uk.