A ZIMBABWEAN student is campaigning for Southend to become an official Fairtrade town - so it can help people in his country.

Ranganai Moyo, 30, was born in Zimbabwe, but moved to England nine years ago and settled in Westcliff.

He wants to encourage people to think about ways in which buying products such as coffee and bananas can improve life in developing countries.

An increasing number of products now carry the official Fairtrade mark, guaranteeing they have been imported and produced in a way which doesn't exploit people in the Third World.

To become recognised as a Fairtrade town, the local council and businesses will have to take positive steps to actively back and promote Fairtrade aims.

Mr Moyo said: "We have children who can't get to school because of extreme poverty, family breakdown and HIV and Aids-related deaths.

"There are farmers who can work with them, but unfortunately, their products don't get a fair price.""

He approached Southend Council and local shops, in an effort raise public awareness of Fairtrade issues and is already seeing results.

Lib Dem borough councillor Ted Lewin has produced a report to the borough council setting out the steps needed for Southend to get Fairtrade status.

Mr Moyo said: "We can make a difference here at local level. You see Fairtrade products in Sainsbury's and Tesco. All these companies can bring awareness."

Mr Moyo is now in his third year of an Economics degree at London Metropolitan University, something which has helped him understand how Fairtrade can help Zimbabweans.

He explained: "It costs quite a lot to produce coffee, but when you buy it here, it only costs £2. If the retail price is too low, the producer can't support his family and the majority of children can't go to school, because they can't afford school fees.

"As a result, you can actually see a draining of communities' potential to grow economically."