the quality and range of 'Fairtrade' goods will be available for members of the public to sample at a two day 'taster' event, starting this morning.

It's part of the Fairtrade Island initiative, which aims to gain official status from the organisation, and will take place at the former 'Ministry of Suits' shop in Strand Street, Douglas.

Fairtrade tries to ensure producers in developing countries get a fair price for their crops and goods, and the 'taster' event will feature many different types of tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate.

The event is being sponsored by Fairtrade businesses, including the Manx Co-op, the Steam Packet Company, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, and Oxfam.

(Picture: Chairman of the Fairtrade Island initiative, Peter Whittaker, of the Manx Co-op).