SHOPPERS have been going bananas for fair trade products in Bolton town centre.

A gorilla chased shoppers around Victoria Square to hand them free fair trade fruit.

Bosses from the not-for-profit fair-trade goods shop, Justicia, organised the event to persuade shoppers to buy fair trade products so manufacturers are given a fair price for their goods.

Fair trade aims to ensure that farmers and growers all over the world receive a fair price for their products in the West.

The movement aims to connect producers with customers cutting out the middlemen. It wants to provide higher wages for farmers to help them improve their chances and provide opportunities for the poor.

Justicia staff got help from young art students who designed an Alice In Wonderland-style chalk-art trial from outside McDonald’s to Justicia in Knowsley Street.

Justicia manager Martin Roe said: “Hopefully, this campaign will allowus to continue to spread the message of fair trade in Bolton for many years to come.”

One volunteer was Beth Duckett, head of Canon Slade School’s Fairtrade committee.

She said “We think it’s really important to support fair trade in whatever way we can to ensure workers receive a fair wage for their produce.”