STALWART campaigner, Peter Grantham, has has bowed out from the Kidderminster Faitrade Group he helped to set up, after five years at the helm.

The retired postal worker and former Liberal councillor was the founding chairman of the group, which won Fairtrade Status for the town in 2007 and was renewed earlier this year.

Mr Grantham, 83, led the small band of enthusiasts in spreading the message to the retail and catering sectors, businesses, churches, schools and the public.

His efforts were recognised with a special presentation at his final committee meeting.

The group's patron, BBC Midlands Today front man, Michael Collie, presented him with an engraved glass paperweight on behalf of other members and praised him for his enthusiasm and dedication.

Mr Grantham thanked all those who supported the Fairtrade campaign, especially the group's members, the Mid-Counties Co-op, churches, Wyre Forest District Council, Kidderminster Library and sign and label printing company, Exilco.

“The sale of Fairtrade products in the country has gone up 50 per cent each year – I think we can claim a little of the credit,” he added Retired teacher, Jackie Rose, an active member of St Chad's Church, Kidderminster, has taken over the reins as chairman .

She said: “I feel a sense of trepidation at taking over from Peter, who has been a great chairman, always buzzing with ideas and I hope to carry on where he's left off.

“I aim to work as a team with the support of Sue Cowen [vice-chairman] and the rest of the committee to increase the knowledge of the aims of Fairtrade in Kidderminster and the availability of Fairtrade produce in shops and other outlets.”

The group will have an information and tasting stall at the World Food Event at Kidderminster Town Hall on Wednesday, October 14, from 11am until 2.30pm.