A MINISTER is refusing to let recent floods hinder a mission to help farmers living in some of the poorest parts of the world.

This weekend supporters of the Fairtrade campaign have organised a walk from Sinnington to Cropton and Appleton-le-Moors to highlight the plight of small farmers who are paid a pittance by western companies for their crop.

Just last week Sinnington Methodist chapel was submerged two feet under water but the Rev Brian Shackleton said this has made them more determined to draw attention to the plight of people who don't just lose their property in flooding but their livelihoods.

He said the eight-mile scenic trek will still go ahead and walkers will be able to enjoy fair trade drinks and snacks in Wesleyan chapels in the three villages.

"At the moment many farmers and growers from the developing world are not receiving a fair price for the goods - this is not right and the fair trade movement hopes to tackle this, " said Rev Shackleton.

"The chapel is still drying out from the flood water but the concerns of the developing world are far greater than the domestic problems we are facing here in Sinnington.

"Bangladesh is flooded on a regular basis and thousands of people have lost their lives. This goes nowhere to match with what has happened in Ryedale."

Walkers can meet at the chapel in Sinnington on Saturday at 9.30am to take part in the event.

It is part of a national drive to make towns and cities officially 'fair trade' and Pickering, Malton and Norton are striving to meet the criteria to reach this status.

Campaigners from Pickering are organising a series of 'Big Brew' events on Saturday - aimed at getting people to try fair trade goods.

There will be a stall in the Memorial Hall and Market Place from 10am and tea and coffee tasting in the parish church.

"The aim of the Big Brew is to promote Fairtrade in every village town and city, " said Nick Nightingale from Sheriff Hutton who coordinates the Big Brew.