NEWCASTLE Emlyn is gearing up to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight which starts on February 24 and runs to Sunday, March 8.

The Fairtrade Group is hosting events to highlight the importance of a living wage for women cocoa farmers in West Africa. These women do the lion's share of work on cocoa farms but often receive little reward.

Following on from the last year’s successful Great Fairtrade Chocolate Bake-Off a second Bake-Off will be run in Neuadd Cawdor Hall on Saturday, February 29. Entry forms are now available from Fair and Fabulous.

This year's competitors are being asked to follow the provided chocolate cake recipes. However, there is also an open class for any Fairtrade chocolate treat, so anything goes as long as it's chocolate.

An added element to the day's chocolate-themed fun will be a 'Storybomb' treasure hunt. Attention-grabbing ‘storybombs’ featuring the stories of women cocoa farmers will be hidden in Newcastle Emlyn's shops and cafes.

People can discover these stories for themselves, answer some simple questions and then enter their quiz sheet into a prize-winning draw. Free parking has been approved from Carmarthenshire County Council so there will be plenty of time to explore the town.

There are several other events planned for Fairtrade Fortnight.

The annual Fairtrade pub quiz will be in The Pelican Inn on Thursday, March 5, 7.30pm start, and on Friday, March 6, steering group members will join the Primal Health and Fitness Spinathon outside Premier raising money for VICTA (a charity that empowers blind children and young adults) and the Fairtrade Foundation.

If you would like to come along and help pedal then contact Wayne Hoyland to book your slot.

Finally on International Women's Day, Sunday, March 8, the Fairtrade Group will finish the fortnight's celebrations by providing hot chocolate and cake to the Ceredigion Bluetits Chill Swimmers who will be taking a 'Dip for Women' at Aberporth beach.

The Bluetits will be among a number of Outdoor Chill swimmers around the country who will also be swimming to celebrate International Women's Day.

So whether you like to cycle or swim, or prefer sitting in a pub or eating chocolate cake, Newcastle Emlyn’s Fairtrade celebrations should have something for everyone,

For more information on Fairtrade Fortnight in Newcastle Emlyn, contact Lenshina or Jill at Fair and Fabulous, Sycamore Street, Newcastle Emlyn on 01239 712835