A north Norfolk group campaigning for a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world is celebrating after gaining Fairtrade status for Sheringham.

Led by retired teacher Brenda Smith, a seven-strong committee has spent months working on meeting a range of criteria set out by the Fairtrade Foundation.

They include getting local shops to stock Fairtrade goods, raising awareness of the campaign at schools, churches and community groups, and passing on the Fairtrade message to local people.

The group also carried out a survey of local businesses and had to gain the support of the town council.

Mrs Smith said she was 'surprised and delighted' when Sheringham's first application to become a Fairtrade town.

The grandmother of seven, who, before retiring 15 years ago, worked at Sidestrand Hall School and Holt Primary School, became interested in the Fairtrade ethos more than 20 years ago.

As well as selling fairly-traded goods at charity events, Mrs Smith has supported the development charity Traidcraft Exchange by donating some of the proceeds of a book she wrote and published herself last year.

She said: 'I feel very strongly that, here in the western world, we have a responsibility to help others who aren't as well off as we are and, with Fairtrade, farmers and producers get better conditions, more rights and a guaranteed minimum price for their goods.

'I think that being a Fairtrade town is a real accolade and it will show Sheringham for what it is – a caring and responsible place that is willing to help others.'

Has your community group got some news? Email karen.bethell@archant.co.uk.