Published: 05/03/2008 00:00 - Updated: 10/12/2009 11:17

No slip up - it's a world record!

ASHBOURNE has entered the record books after an amazing 361 people stood in Victoria Square eating Fairtrade bananas.

The televised world record attempt was staged on Saturday to promote Fairtrade Fortnight, in which the town is heavily involved.

Staff at Sainsbury's supermarket, a long-standing Fairtrade supporter, donated the bananas and helped to promote the attempt on the day.

The staggering success of the attempt delighted organisers, who were only expecting up to 200 people to take part.

Stuart Green, from the Ashbourne Fairtrade Town Initiative, said: "We're really pleased to set this new world record and the number of attendees shows the massive amount of support for Fairtrade.

"Events like these help to remind people that it's easy to change today and choose Fairtrade for everyday items like bananas."

In 2005, Ashbourne was the first town in rural Derbyshire to become a Fairtrade Town, and this means Fairtrade products are widely available in its shops, cafes and restaurants.

Sainsbury's store manager Richard Wilcox said: "Since last year all of our bananas have been Fairtrade and we're really proud to have been able to support this fantastic record attempt.

"Fairtrade makes a massive difference to the lives of third world producers, and the more people get involved the better."

Ashbourne Partnership co-ordinator Sarah Wolfe joined town councillor Kevin Stone to present the initiative with a certificate.

She said: "I think it is brilliant that people of Ashbourne came along and gave their support to this worthy worldwide cause, and I wish to congratulate Ashbourne Fair Trade on achieving this tremendous world record."

Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 is a national incentive that started on Monday, February 25 and runs until Sunday.

To find out more about Ashbourne's involvement in the Fairtrade movement, visit www.ashbournefairtrade.org.uk or call into one of the participating shops - such as Pachacuti or Natural Choice.

Going bananas (above) is Emily Marsh with staff of Sainsbury's