FAIRTRADE Fortnight in Kidderminster promises to be a tasty affair, with mouth-watering treats, courtesy of the Co-op.

As well as tasting sessions, there will also be the chance to find out what life is like for a banana farmer in the West Indies and Wyre Forest youngsters will be treading the boards in a special theatrical performance.

Tasting sessions - of products such as coffee and chocolate - will be open to the public at Kidderminster Library from next Monday until Friday February 29 and from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7, between 10am and 4pm.

Fairtrade products will also be available for tasting at the Stourport Methodist Church, High Street, on Saturday, March 8, from 10am until 4pm.

A rare treat is in store for Fairtrade supporters and those keen to learn more about the movement when a banana farmer from the Windward Islands stops off at Stourport as part of a UK tour to give a talk at St Michael's Church Hall, on Tuesday, March 4, at 7.30pm.

All are welcome to the free event and Fairtrade refreshments will be available.

The Gloucestershire-based Fair Game Theatre Company will be running workshops at Kidderminster Town Hall for high school pupils on Thursday, March 6, culminating in a public performance there at 7pm.

The theme of One For Me will be the history of slavery running through to the growth of Fairtrade, which provides farmers and producers in the developing world with a fair income.

Kidderminster Fairtrade Steering Group chairman, Peter Grantham, said: "Last year, we held a very successful Fairtrade concert, with contributions from Kidderminster primary schools, during Fairtrade Fortnight. This time, we thought it would be good to bring the high schools on board and are hoping for an equally successful evening."

Tickets are free of charge and are available from the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall. Compère for the event will be steering group patron BBC Midlands Today presenter, Michael Collie.

Mr Grantham said he hoped as many people as possible would call in at the tasting sessions to discover the quality of Fairtrade products.

"We need to encourage more people to buy Fairtrade goods in order that struggling farmers and producers are given the means to a decent living so they can support themselves, their families and their communities," he added.

Kidderminster primary schoolchildren will be able to take part in an Eye Spy competition to name 16 shops and businesses displaying Fairtrade products in their windows during the fortnight. Entry forms are available through schools.