CHEPSTOW raises a glass to Fair Trade Fortnight.

Fair Trade Fortnight runs from February 27 to March 11 and to mark the occasion a Fair Trade wine tasting evening will take place on March 1.

Chepstow has been a Fair Trade town since 2006 and Wales itself was the very first recognised Fair trade country.

Sales of Fair Trade goods such as bananas, coffee and chocolate have continued to increase in the UK, with more and more shoppers taking the time to seek out Fair Trade options.

This year, to celebrate and raise awareness of Fair Trade, a Fair Trade Wine tasting evening will be held at the Chepstow Tourist Information Centre in Bridge Street.

Tanya White, of the Chepstow Fair Trade Forum said: "In the UK retail sales of Fair Trade wine have increased from an estimated annual £1.5million in 2004 to an estimated £16.4million in 2009. This increase directly benefits the producers, workers and their families.

Sometimes we can make a direct difference to people, whilst enjoying the support activity."

During the event a wine tasting expert will give a guided sampling of different Fair Trade wines available to buy at two local supermarkets, Co-op in Chepstow and Waitrose in Caldicot.

Sarah Burris Branch Manager at Waitrose, Caldicot said: "It's fantastic to support Fair Trade and all the opportunities it brings in supporting the actual producers. The ethics that Waitrose stands for is represented in Fair Trade."

Alyson Bond, Manager at Co-op, said she was pleased to be able to help in building awareness of the many Fair Trade products available, adding: "We are 100 per cent behind Fair Trade as you can be sure that someone on the other side of the world is benefiting from a better deal that will improve their lives."

The event is being held from 7.30-10pm and tickets cost £6. To book contact Tanya on 01291 623169