A GORILLA on the loose in Chesham did not need to be tranquilised after the hairy beast turned out to be the town’s mayor in an ape suit.

Cllr Mark Shaw donned the outfit for the stunt to promote the renewal of the town’s Fairtrade status.

The mayor was joined by a group of Fairtrade campaigners as they toured different stalls and shops in the town selling the produce, which gives a fair deal to farmers and workers in the developing world.

Chair of Chesham4Fairtrade, Rev. Colin Cartwright, said: “We were pleased that our Town Mayor enjoyed ‘monkeying around’ for Fairtrade.

“His readiness to dress up as a gorilla clearly showed the Town Council’s ongoing commitment to encourage people to buy Fairtrade locally.”

As the first Fairtrade town in Bucks, Chesham has now held this title for over eight years.

Buying goods with a Fairtrade logo guarantees that more of the profits go to those who worked hardest to grow and make the goods.

Veteran campaigner David Haddock, who has just stepped down from Chesham4Fairtrade, received a gift from the group in recognition for his hard work.

Along with his wife, Ruth, they have been local Traidcraft reps and campaigners for Trade Justice for over 30 years.

David said: “The growth in the sale of fairly traded goods in Chesham in recent years has been phenomenal.

“It is a great compliment to the many people in the town who now make buying Fairtrade a priority when shopping.”

Chesham4Fairtrade will be selling items in the town of Christmas, including the Fairtrade Advent Calendar, back by popular demand.