THE Mayor of Dudley has been getting crafty to support a Fairtrade arts project organised by Dudley performing arts and Stourbridge Fairtrade.

The two groups have invited borough schools and colleges to take part in the Fairtrade Foundation’s artwork and sculpture challenge as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which kicked off on Monday and runs until Sunday March 10.

Dudley Council’s Dudley Performing Arts team is working with the council’s school’s catering service and Calypso Drinks, which supplies Fairtrade drinks to schools, to make a piece of artwork from Fairtrade packaging and recycled materials.

Artworks created by schools signed up to Dudley’s catering service will then be photographed and the images entered into the competition and uploaded to the Fairtrade Foundation website’s online gallery to support the foundation’s 2013 campaign.

Schools taking part will be in with a chance of winning art materials and the images may even make it to Downing Street where they will be used to further the Fairtrade cause.

Those taking part include Castle High, St Mary's C of E, Bromley Pensnett, Rufford, Thorns Community College, Oldswinford C of E, Ham Dingle, Manor Way, Bishop Milner and Pedmore Technology College and Lutley, Belle Vue, Netherbrook, Blowers Green and St Josephs Primary schools.

Their work will also be showcased at an arts fair on Saturday from 11am to 5pm at Netherton Arts Centre, Northfield Road, Netherton.

As well as the sculpture display - there will be craft stalls, family art workshops and refreshments. Entry is 50p per person.