HOPES to turn the Cheddar area into a completely Fairtrade zone have been given a high-flying boost. Axbridge Chamber of Commerce has managed to recruit Bristol International Airport as its newest member. The chamber says attracting the airport is quite a

HOPES to turn the Cheddar area into a completely Fairtrade zone have been given a high-flying boost.Axbridge Chamber of Commerce has managed to recruit Bristol International Airport as its newest member.The chamber says attracting the airport is quite a coup for the group, especially as the airport has also pledged to help the town's Fairtrade action group.The group is trying to get all schools, libraries, hotels and shops in the Cheddar area to stock fair trade products.Members hope the initiative will benefit Third World farmers who get paid more for fair trade goods.The airport will promote Axbridge as a tourist destination and work with the chamber in helping attract visitors for special events, such as the Mendip Food and Drink Festival later this month.Almost all the restaurants and grocers in the town will join in the festival by selling traditional food and drink, such as the fabled Axbridge Sausage and local cider, as well as fair trade products. The festival runs from October 20-27.The airport will also be promoting the area as a Fairtrade zone and will work with the action group to try to get more businesses involved in the initiative.The action group is trying to recruit surrounding parish councils to the scheme and recently gave a presentation to Cheddar Parish Council, which is considering whether to give its support. The group has also set up a Fairtrade stall at The Square's monthly farmers market. The next market will take place from 9am-1pm on November 4.