A FAIRTRADE song competition organised by Martha and David Holman featuring schoolchildren from all over South Wales was a huge success at Wales World Trade Fair in the Market Hall at the weekend.

The F-Factor, a tribute to Fairtrade featured schools Cantref Primary, Ysgol Lwant, Llanfair and Plas Newydd who all performed unique compositions, some original and some based on well known songs.

The Market Hall was packed with parents, children and other visitors to the event to witness Plas Newydd triumph and win the Fairtrade song competition trophy, presented by Helen Bradley from Fairtrade Wales. The judges which included Councillor Martin Hickman and local historian Frank Oldfield decided that the school had the best overall presentation and content. A surprise for the winning school was an invitation to perform at the Xmas Factor competition at the Borough Theatre on December 3.

The day was opened at 10am by the Mayor, Jane Foulser and the Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, Bryan Hood.

A special poem and presentation of cameras for the Love Zimbabwe charity was given by Granville Hollister.

There was a fabulous display of Fair and ethical stalls including Love Zimbabwe, Goodies from the Gambia, Hempish, Fairtrade Abergavenny and Crickhowell, Fairgrounds, Fair Do's, Oxfam Cymru, Fairtrade Wales, Swahili Textiles, Dare to differ, Tools for Self Reliance, Send a cow, Bag- Age and Coral Quay. Regulars, Taste Zimbabwe provided their fabulous traditional Zimbabwean cuisine and there was also a Welsh/Carribean food stall serving up delicious chicken and patties.

The childrens' area was extremely popular this year. Run by Rebecca from Zimele and Nicola Perkins form Mulberry House, they provided a range of exciting activities including face painting, plate painting, willow weaving and badge making. The entertainment kicked of with Chrys Blanchard's open arms, followed by Julie Gordon and Stainless Steve. There was fantastic drumming form Senegal which visitors were encouraged to join in.

This was the fifth year of the event and the biggest and best yet. The traders and public were vocal in their support of the day.

Organiser Martha Musonza Holman, who enjoyed dancing to the drumming with eight week old Tanaka Holman tied to her back said, "This event is totally unique in Wales. We aim to bring together Welsh communities and those from all over the developing world. David and I feel that it both educates and entertains all of those who visit. It is vital particularly for children to take this sense of community forward with them in their lives."

All proceeds from the event got to Love Zimbabwe charity which implements various projects in Zimbabwe. Martha and David hope that the final figure will be over £2,000.

Supporters and sponsors of the event included, Fairtrade Wales, Oxfam Cymru, Vodaphone World of Difference, Awards for all, The Co-operative Society and Abergavenny Town Council.

Martha and David wish to thank the army of volunteers without who the event would never have got off the ground!

They are already planning next year's event which will definitely worth looking out for.