FAIR trade gifts produced by artisan communities from the around the world will be awaiting Christmas shoppers at Traidcraft sales in Bewdley and Kidderminster.

Gift hunters can beat the festive rush and browse through the latest autumn collections at St Anne’s Church, Bewdley, on Saturday, November 3 from 10am until 4pm.

They can also buy Traidcraft gifts and stocking fillers the following Saturday, November 10, at Kidderminster’s Trinity Methodist Church, in Churchfields from 10am until 2pm.

Voluntary Fair Trader Elaine Barbour, supplier of the Traidcraft stock, has been running the annual sale in Bewdley, where Fairtrade refreshments and lunches will also be available, for 30 years.

She said: “I love Fairtrade, it’s a wonderful way of helping some of the world’s poorest people to help themselves. The sales are very popular with shoppers who are looking for gifts that are a little bit different from what’s available on the high street.

“All our products have a story and each time you buy a Traidcraft item you are offering hope and opportunities to artisan communities around the world.

“We have a super new collection of useful household gifts such as storage baskets, cheese knives, hand-poured candles. There are also trinkets – very popular with youngsters – jewellery, crafts, toys, cards, clothes, bags, and Fairtrade food.”

The Kidderminster sale is being organised by the town’s Faitrtrade Group, and freshly made refreshments and cake will also be available.