A CLERGYMAN from York will try his hand behind the coffee counter tomorrow to raise awareness of fairtrade.

The Rev Stephen Burgess, district chairman for the York & Hull Methodist District, will spend the morning being trained as a barista at the Aroma coffee shop, in Haxby, ahead of Christian Aid Week which runs from May 15 to 21.

Mr Burgess said his training would help raise awareness of Christian Aid projects in Nicaragua, which have helped farmers get a fair price for their coffee.

He said: “The story of coffee farmers in Nicaragua is one of hope. It shows how our actions can help to support thousands of people around the world.

“It’s wonderful to see Christian Aid working through local partners in some of the poorest parts of the world to bring about positive change in people’s lives.”