EVEN the legendary Harlem Globetrotters would have trouble shooting basketballs into a moving hoop while blindfolded.

This was the challenge laid down to Southampton MP Alan Whitehead in a game of unfair basketball in the city centre this weekend.

While the score racked up for one side, dropping balls through a hoop on a pint-sized pole, their opposition were struggling to get off the ground.

The unequal contest was part of a city centre trade justice demonstration, with players representing rich and poor countries in the global trade system.

Activists invited Mr Whitehead along and handed leaflets to passers-by to highlight the discrimination in international trade laws.

The MP said: "Until we create a level playing field for all countries through a fair world trade system, developing nations will not be able to help their people escape poverty and protect the environment from exploitation."

Trade justice campaigners were also out in force in Romsey at the weekend.

Eric Maynard from Chandler's Ford brought the issue before Romsey MP Sandra Gidley and then paraded through the town with other activists.

"We say this country can influence the debate on global justice. We have to speak out in favour of the poorer countries of the world," he said.