People in Hackney are being given the chance be directly involved in how the borough does ethical business.

The council is recruiting new members of the volunteer-steering Hackney Faritrade Group, which aims to reach a better deal for producers in developing countries, ensuring they get a fairer price for their product.

Those wishing to join do not need a background in Fairtrade, just a passion for promoting the benefits locally.

The group’s tasks include arranging events to promote Fairtrade in the borough, encouraging the community to think about how to keep Fairtrade in people’s minds and promoting the benefits of stocking and using Fairtrade products to local businesses.

Group members will also collaborate with other boroughs and the Fairtrade Association.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: “Hackney has been a proud advocate of Fairtrade for nearly seven years.

“In that time, the Fairtrade steering group has led very successful campaigns to promote Fairtrade, including a Question Time debate, tasting sessions, civic events and numerous schools activities.

“Being part of the group is a great opportunity to help our borough become a more responsible society and ultimately make a real difference to the lives of those in developing countries.”

The Council would like to hold the first meeting of the group in the week beginning January 19.

Those interested in the role but unable to make the first meeting date are still being encouraged to get in touch.

Hackney achieved Fairtrade borough status in 2008 - when the Fairtrade Group was also founded - by hitting five goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation.

People who would like to take part should contact Joanne Blackwood at: joanne.blackwood@hackney.gov.uk or call: 020 8356 4959 by January 13 (Tuesday).