BORO are supporting a series of events to mark Fairtrade Fortnight across Middlesbrough in the build-up to this year's Mela.

The events are designed to build awareness of the spectacular Albert Park weekend - on July 17 and 18 this year - and to give a boost to the town's intercultural development.

The first of these was a Fairtrade Festival in Captain Cook Square on Saturday, February 27.

The festival, taking place during Fairtrade Fortnight and marking Middlesbrough's Fairtrade status, is being supported locally by Middlesbrough Council, Captain Cook Square and Macmillan Academy.

Stalls will promote and sell Fairtrade food and other products, and music and dance will be provided by members of Fairtrade communities living in the North East.

MFC signed Fairtrade footballs are up for grabs in a competition for 11 to 16-year-olds, while Freestyle football champ and Middlesbrough college student Mikey Tye will be on hand to show off his dazzling skills.

And, for those in need of a refreshing cuppa, Ecogroup students from Macmillan Academy will be staging their very own Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

Other partners already signed up to support the event include the Co-operative Group, Middlesbrough Football Club and the Middlesbrough Fairtrade Group.

The Co-op has supported Fairtrade since its inception in 1994 and has helped to develop the UK as one of the world's largest Fairtrade markets, supporting millions of growers and producers in developing countries.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, chairman of the Middlesbrough Fairtrade Group, said: "The Middlesbrough Mela has established itself as one of the best events of its kind, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

"Its multi-cultural approach is emobodied by Fairtrade which is now a well-recognised brand in countless local shops, stores, cafes and restaurants and has the full backing and commitment of the Council."