Fair Trade Success in Cuppathon

The challenge was on to see how many cups of ethically produced tea, coffee and chocolate were drunk during the week.

Bexhill beat nearest rival Eastbourne with a total of 4,252, and came top of the league of East Sussex towns taking part.

Of those many cuppas, 1,250 were sold at the De La Warr Pavilion, followed by 1,000 at the Oasis Cafe.

Next were St Michael's Hospice Pine Tree, with 425, C-Side Cafe, where 250 drinks were sold, and the Farmers' Market with 86.

Of the five churches who sent in results, Bexhill came second in East Sussex with St Peter's church counting 406 cups, followed closely by the Methodist church's 236.

Rother District Council recorded 350, and Bexhill Caring Community had 46.

This week Denis Lucey of the Bexhill Fairtrade committee presented the staff of the DLWP restaurant with a prize for their efforts during the week.

Head of Communications Sally Ann Lycett said: "How delighted we are at the DLWP to make a contribution to the Fairtrade Movement here in Bexhill. We always aim to serve the best tea and coffee and we're thrilled that 1,250 satisfied customers agree and enjoy their cuppa at DLWP. Also, what a boost to the poor coffee producers."

Organiser Jack Doherty said: "The committees of all the towns involved would like to congratulate the winners and thank all those businesses who participated.

"Unless businesses stock and promote Fairtrade products, the population will be deprived of this opportunity to raise the so-called 'Third World' to our standards of minimal health and educational conditions.

"In many cafes and restaurants customers don't realise there is a choice...We strongly urge everybody to make Fairtrade their beverage of active choice."