A paper avatar of the Archbishop of York will be joining those of other high profile supporters of fairtrade in a march with a difference on Monday.

The paper march on Parliament is being organised by the Fairtrade Foundation in support of small hold farmers.

Ahead of the march, the mini Archbishop was photographed taking a tour of Bishopthorpe Palace.
Archbishop John Sentamu is inviting other people to take part in the march by creating their own paper avatars at www.fairtrade.org.uk/jointhemarch

Although the paper march is fun, there is a "serious message" behind it, the Archbishop said.

"I'm proud to be supporting this year's Fairtrade Fortnight to plead with the government to do more to ensure small hold farmers get a fair wage for their labours," he said.

Fairtrade goods are being bought at increasing rates around the world, with a 12% increase annually in the UK alone.

Some 1.24 million farmers and workers benefit from fairtrade, which gives them better terms and a better price for their produce.

The march on Monday highlights the fact that although small farmers produce an estimated 70% of the world's food, they receive only around 3% of the retail price when their produce is sold through supermarkets.

The Archbishop added: "Fairtrade is about delivering justice for ordinary people working hard to make a living wherever they live in the world."