Coldplay's tribute to this fair city

Coldplay are the biggest band of the moment, with two Brits, a Grammy and five million album sales under their belt.

But pop heroes Coldplay still have time to spare a thought for one of their member's home town. The band has sent Southampton a message of support for achieving the long-fought-for Fairtrade city status.In a letter signed by the four, including former Cantell School pupil Will Champion, they wrote: "Coldplay are tremendously pleased to know that you are working hard to make Southampton a Fairtrade city.

"The campaign to make trade fair all over the world is one which we fully support and we wish you every success.We hope that more cities take the initiative to do the right thing and get people a fair price for their work and produce."

City campaigners who saw Southampton win Fairtrade status at the beginning of March got in touch with the band through Will's dad Tim, who is on the fringes of the Fairtrade group.

Drummer Will, 26, was born in Southampton and went to Cantell School before studying at Peter Symonds College in Winchester. He shot to fame after meeting his fellow band members at University College, London.

Three years ago, Will made an emotional return to Southampton to watch as a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the city university to remember his late mother Dr Sara Champion, an archaeology lecturer, who died of cancer.

This message of support to his home town is a major boost for Fairtrade.

Jane Freeland, from Southampton's Fairtrade group, said: "We were delighted with the message. Coldplay are well-known supporters of Fairtrade and it is great to have celebrities on board, especially with a local connection.

"But this is just the beginning. We now need to expand to other towns, encourage more businesses to stock the products and more people to buy them."

Source: ThisIsSouthampton