The ethical credentials of the Sixth Form College, Farnborough, were given a boost last week with the award of Fairtrade status.

Students at the Prospect Road campus celebrated in the warm weather with free Fairtrade ice cream and a visit from the Mayor of Rushmoor.

The college joined an elite group of colleges and universities by gaining the formal status, after being required to meet a wide range of demanding standards set by the Fairtrade Organisation.

Fairtrade is the internationally-recognised mark that exists to help people in poor countries gain a decent wage for the work they do, rather than being dependent on volatile international markets.

By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, which must never fall lower than the market price, Fairtrade is designed to address the problems of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest producers, letting them improve their position and having more control over their lives.

Being declared a Fairtrade College means that the college has made a commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade, making sure that fairly traded products are available in as many places as possible.

It also shows a commitment from the college to raise awareness of the scheme and the benefits that it brings to producers in developing countries with students and staff.

Newly installed Mayor and Mayoress of Rushmoor, Cllr Alan and Mrs Sandra Ferrier, presented the award to the college.

Cllr Ferrier, a Fernhill ward representative at the borough council, said: “I am proud to present this certificate to the college as my first function as the Mayor of Rushmoor.

“There is no more important work for young people to be involved with than creating a Fairtrade society.”

Rushmoor Borough Council has been working itself to declare Aldershot and Farnborough Fairtrade Towns — but the college has beaten the council to the coveted status.

Sarah Jewell, campaigns co-ordinator for the national Fairtrade organisation, attended the ceremony at the college.

She said: “Farnborough Sixth Form College is setting an example for others to follow by its commitment to Fairtrade, demonstrated not only by the sale of Fairtrade products throughout the campus but also by the campaigning activities of students within the community.”

College principal Dr John Guy said: “I am extremely proud of the work of the students over the last few years to lead the Fairtrade campaign both in the college and beyond.

“As a result of their pressure, the governors of the college passed a resolution that not only all tea and coffee served in the student and staff refectories should be Fairtrade products, but also at all formal college functions.

“Once students get involved with these campaigns they then undertake in educating each other about it.

“Fairtrade is of such obvious benefit for people and is an important link between our community at the college and the wider world community.”

Ms Jewell paid particular tribute to the Fairtrade steering group in the college, led this year by 18-year-old Emily Murrell, of Crondall.

Emily has been particularly involved in campaigning in the Rushmoor area, and among many activities, with fellow students, she modelled Fairtrade clothing in a fashion show at the council offices.

Emily said: “Achieving Fairtrade status was a result of students, staff and governors at the college working together to achieve the common goal of helping to create a fairer world.”

Several hundred students attended the launch, at which the college caterer, Scolarest, which is fully involved in the college’s Fairtrade policy, supplied Ben and Jerry’s Fairtrade ice cream to students and guests at the ceremony.

The new student president, 17-year-old Theo McCusker, of Frimley, said: “I am proud that this status has been awarded to the college in my opening term as student president.

“I pledge the support of the new student association to maintaining and promoting the Fairtrade ideals to new students in September.”