A DECADE of York playing its part in promoting fairer trading has been celebrated in the city.

York was declared a Fairtrade city in 2004 and the anniversary was marked with a reception at the Mansion House, hosted by Lord Mayor of York Coun Julie Gunnell, with guests including local schoolchildren, York Central MP Hugh Bayley and Colombian banana farmer Aimeth Angulo.

The event was followed by a bring-and-share party in Guildhall, with those attending asked to take along a plate of Fairtrade food, while York Fairtrade Forum set up a banana stall in St Helen's Square to explain why people should by Fairtrade bananas.

The Fairtrade celebration has also included a documentary about the struggles and successes of Palestinian Fairtrade farmers, The People and the Olive, at the City Screen, and a wine-tasting event at the National Railway Museum organised by the Co-operative.