TEENAGERS who have seen what life is like for small farmers in Africa are backing a move to make Witney a Fairtrade town.

They are among 1,600 people who have signed a petition asking the town council to sign up to the promotion of Third World products.

Caprice Barber and Staci Beevor were among a ten-strong group of 14 and 15-year-olds from Witney's Base 33 youth centre who visited Ghana in October.

The group saw pineapple farmers who depend on Fairtrade links to get a sustainable price for their crop, some of which is sold in Witney's Waitrose store.

Jude Levermore, Base 33 leader, said: "We asked the pineapple growers what difference Fairtrade makes. They said if they didn't have Fairtrade they would die. We saw the difference it makes to some of the poorest people."

The two teenagers told the council's policy and finance committee of their experiences at a special presentation. The full council will decide on the issue on Wednesday.

Also backing the petition are Witney MP and Tory leader David Cameron, local businesses and Churches Together in Witney.

Wendy Maddison, of the Witney Area Fairtrade Action group, said: "This is a simple request but will benefit some of the poorest people in the world and at the same time benefit the people and economy of Witney."

Among the ideas put forward is for the council to use Fairtrade tea and coffee at its offices and meetings.