Sir – June 4 not only marked the Queen’s Jubilee, but also marked the date, exactly one year ago, that Witney became the 1,000th International Fairtrade Town.

To achieve this, we needed to provide evidence to the Fairtrade Foundation that there was a steering group, an appropriate number of outlets and groups selling and using Fairtrade products, media coverage and the support of the town council.

The journey to reach this achievement was not always easy and involved a lot of hard work from the members and friends of WAFTAG. However it would certainly not have been possible without the amazing support of the numerous retailers, businesses, community organisations, churches, schools and, most importantly, the people of Witney who have taken the concept of Fairtrade to their hearts.

The people of Witney should feel rightly proud that their town has so publicly demonstrated what many of us knew already: that we care passionately about people in the world who are less fortunate than ourselves, and we are prepared to make changes to our shopping choices to ensure farmers, producer groups and their families get a fair deal when selling their produce.

As we renew our status, it is good to see that the number of outlets continues to grow (see www.waftag.blogspot.com) and that the council is taking steps to fulfil its commitment, including installing a drinks dispenser at the Langdale Hall which provides Fairtrade drinks. On behalf of the beneficiaries of Fairtrade, we would like to say thank you, Witney.

Wendy Maddison and members of Witney Area Fair Trade Action Group, New Yatt Road, North Leigh