HUNDREDS of shoppers sampled Fairtrade products including cakes and drinks in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

Numerous stallholders set up in the centre for the event, which was held to raise awareness and support for farmers working in the African cocoa trade.

Centre manager Steve Seymour said he was pleased to support Fairtrade Fortnight, which ran until March 10.

He said: “Keighley has been a Fairtrade-friendly Town for more than eight years and it’s great that we’re able to mark the annual two-week campaign.

“We have a good selection of Fairtrade produce on offer. I know that the drinks and cakes were a huge hit with our regulars who loved getting together to enjoy such things.

“This really was a great opportunity to drive further awareness of not only the good work Fairtrade is doing but also how we can help its ongoing cause.”

Jessica Parker, a Keighley College student who volunteered at the event, said Fairtrade Fortnight was the most important time of year to celebrate the organisation’s achievements.

She added: “It’s crucial that we strive to ensure cocoa farmers are paid fairly for their work and are able to live a dignified life.

“Currently, a typical cocoa farmer in West Africa earns 74p per day and to achieve a living income is £1.86, so it is essential that we help shoppers understand the importance of buying Fairtrade.”