THEY were singing the praises of Fairtrade at a Caribbean evening. The Celebrate Gospel Choir was a big hit at the packed event which was organised in Stevenage by the Co-op. Caribbean cocktails were served and people had a chance to taste fairly traded

THEY were singing the praises of Fairtrade at a Caribbean evening.

The Celebrate Gospel Choir was a big hit at the packed event which was organised in Stevenage by the Co-op.

Caribbean cocktails were served and people had a chance to taste fairly traded products as well as enjoy a cookery demonstration by celebrity Fairtrade chef Mike Cullen who produced a chocolate rum cake made with Fairtrade ingredients.

There was a talk by a Banana Link representative on the Fairtrade banana industry, another by Travelcare - part of the Co-operative Group - on Caribbean holidays and one from a representative of the Stevenage Afro Caribbean Association about its work in the community.

Among those at the event was Robin Cherney, a member of the Co-op's Herts and Essex area members' committee who is pictured on the right.

He said: "It was a really entertaining evening which provided a fun way for people to learn more about the Caribbean and the importance of Fairtrade which ensures a better deal for growers in developing countries by guaranteeing fair prices and an additional social premium to fund vital community projects.