FAIRTRADE fortnight was marked by schools across Cumbria getting involved.

Schools joined in the campaign by hosting events over the two-week period that raised awareness of the plight of banana producers worldwide.

Ten primary schools attended a Fairtrade Conference at Kendal Town Hall, where they presented material about different Fairtrade products.

Tracey Ellis, a teacher at The Queen Katherine School, said: “The Fairtrade Conference was a real success.

The children had spent time investigating a specific Fairtrade product and presented their findings with real confidence and a keen sense that Fair Trade matters in the world today.

“There was also a spirit of fun and each presentation was entertaining in very different ways with raps, tastings and quizzes.”

The event on was chaired by The Queen Katherine School’s senior students and opened by the Mayor of Kendal, Sylvia Emmott, who highlighted the role of Kendal as a Fairtrade town.

Taking part were St Mark’s C of E Primary, Natland, Grayrigg C of E Primary, Grayrigg, Crosthwaite School Church of England Primary, Crosthwaite, and Kendal schools Vicarage Park C of E Primary, Ghyllside Primary, St Thomas’s CE Primary, Stramongate Primary, Castle Park School and Heron Hill.

Heron Hill Primary School had its own fair trade fundraiser by holding a Big Brew on Thursday March 6, raising about £150, which will go to Trade Craft, who put the money towards helping fair trade farmers.

Lou Curry, Heron Hill year four and PSHE teacher, said: “It was fantastic, there was a really big turnout with about 200 people.

“We were raising awareness and you’d find that the young ones now genuinely understand that by buying fair trade products, the farmers will be getting a better deal.”

Pupils of Levens Primary School also united in the awareness campaign by creating posters that were on show in Booths in Milnthorpe.

Levens Primary School class teacher Shirley King said: “As a whole school we’ve been learning about fair trade.

“The eye catching posters were of all the fruit and vegetables that are fair trade, to persuade people to choose fair trade. The excitement was quite amazing and they were very happy and proud.”

Fairtrade Fortnight ran from February 24 and came to a close on Sunday.