THIS is One World Week and each day we are highlighting a different aspect of our world and how we can help Third World countries.

A YEAR ago the idea was launched that Bolton could be declared a Fairtrade town.

Garstang has already declared itself, Stockport is in the running -- but Bolton would be the biggest.

The logo is the Fairtrade mark. It is found on some basic products like tea, coffee, honey, bananas, cereal, biscuits, and on chocolate. It guarantees that the producers have been paid a fair price. They are not at the mercy of middlemen or faceless corporations.

If you buy such products you'll be helping people who work in small co-operatives or family farms to send their children to school, to have better health facilities and greater esteem, and to farm in a way that does not harm the land.

It is not charity but justice. And these products can compete with the best on the market in quality.

Why Bolton? Because its prosperity was based on the cotton trade, the first major industry with global connections.

Bolton has paved the way with its own fair trade shop, Justicia in Knowsley Street. The town has a long history of campaigning for global justice.

Now we are on our way to a new success. Bolton could, in the 21st century, lead the way in thinking and action that is truly global.

What would it involve? It is hoped that Bolton Metro would adopt a Fairtrade policy, serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at all its meetings, and declare Bolton a Fairtrade Town. Other organisations in the town will be encouraged to adopt a similar policy.

We often feel how powerless we are as individuals but we do have influence as consumers.

We have a wonderful opportunity through our choices in shopping to help change the unequal system of world trade.

Look for the Fairtrade mark on items in your supermarket or ask the staff if they stock them. Encourage your friends -- and organisations you belong to -- to buy Fairtrade goods.

Bolton has not been declared Britain's biggest Fairtrade Town yet -- but we're on our way.