WHEN it comes to giving practical support to some of the world's poorest countries, Bolton is certainly on the ball.

To herald Fairtrade Fortnight, which begins on Tuesday, every school in the area is receiving a Fairtrade football, made without the use of child labour.

And jars of Fairtrade coffee will be donated to the borough's staff rooms for use during teachers' breaks.

The Fairtrade mark guarantees that farmers' organisations get a fair and stable price for their products, respect is shown for the environment, and farmers in poor countries are in a strong position in world markets.

In Bolton there will be a series of events to mark the occasion.

From Tuesday to Saturday, March 12, there will be information leaflets given out at supermarkets.

A Fairtrade coffee break will be held at St Peter's Church in Bradford Road, Farnworth, on Wednesday, March 2, from 9am to noon.

And on the same day, there will be a presentation of prizes by the Mayor of Bolton to winners of the Bolton Schools Fairtrade art and poetry competition.

This work will then be displayed in The Market Place in Knowsley Street.

On Saturday, March 15, there will be a Fairtrade stall in Victoria Square in the International Women's Week marquee.

The next day, Horwich churches will hold Mothers' Day services promoting Fairtrade chocolate and flowers.

A Fairtrade coffee break will take place at Horwich Resource Centre on Saturday, March 12, from 10am to 12 noon.

On the same day, from 10am to 4pm, another coffee break will be held at the New Horizons Centre and Justicia Fair World Shop in Knowsley Street.

l For more information about where to obtain Fairtrade products or what local events have been organised, telephone Jim Hollyman on 01204 456050 or email him on jimhollyman

@ntlworld.com