COLCHESTER has been declared a Fairtrade Town for fourth time.

It is third time the town has renewed the status, since 2006, when it was first awarded.

A certificate was presented to Christopher Arnold, Colchester Mayor, on Monday, by representatives of the East of England Co-op and the Colchester Fairtrade Town Group, on Monday.

Joan Manhire, chair of the Colchester Fairtrade Town Group, said: “We are overjoyed that the Fairtrade Foundation has renewed Colchester’s status as a Fairtrade Town for a further two years.

To be awarded the status, Colchester Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade products and agree to them being served in council offices and canteens.

Schools, churches and colleges across the borough must also use Fairtrade products where possible.