SCHOOLS are celebrating after gaining official Fairtrade status.

Representatives from Over St John's Primary, Winsford, Hebden Green Community, Winsford, Kingsmead Primary, Davenham Primary, Wimboldsley Primary, Winnington Park Primary, Handley Hill Primary, Winsford, Byley Primary and Verdin High schools were invited to a ceremony at Vale Royal Borough Council's headquarters at Wyvern House where they received recognition for their Fairtrade work in recent months.

The council has been actively supporting the Fairtrade School Initiative throughout the year as part

of its drive to achieve Fairtrade Borough status.

Wimboldsley teacher Sarah Moore explained: 'We had to meet certain criteria before getting accepted, including making Fairtrade foods available to staff, pupils and visitors and presenting assemblies on Fairtrade.'

Byley headteacher Jane Dunseath said the entire school had got involved in schemes including the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.

The council will shortly be producing a Fairtrade retail guide and hopes to secure Fairtrade borough status by the time it shows off its Fairtrade Show Feature at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park in July.