A CAMPAIGN is under way to try to give Southampton a leading role in giving a fair deal to farmers in impoverished countries.

The initiative would see the city gain Oxfam's Fair Trade status, with scores of shops selling food and drink for which producers in poorer nations have been given a fair price.

A meeting at the Civic Centre on Wednesday will be attended by Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead and various other guests who will speak on the scheme.

The project, which is being spearheaded by church groups in the city, needs to get support from cafes and shops and the city council.

Anne Newton from Swaythling Baptist Church said: "It's very much at an early stage at the moment and there's a steering group of about eight of us. "We will be presenting what we have so far to the public on Wednesday.

"The Fair Trade mark means giving a better deal for Third World producers and that is what we want to promote.If we can get Fair Trade status we can go up to businesses and organisations and tell them what they can do."

The meeting starts at 7.30pm. For more details telephone Anne Newton on 023 8076 8356.