For the first time, fairly traded and locally sourced goods will be a central part of Southwark Cathedral's Easter celebrations.

Maundy Thursday is when the Bishop of Southwark traditionally blesses the oils for use in ministry around the diocese in the coming year.

This year, the cathedral has chosen oil from Palestinian olive growers as a gesture of solidarity with the communities visited by the bishop, dean and pilgrims during the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The Easter Candle to be lit on Holy Saturday by the Bishop of Southwark, the Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, has been made by a producer of wax and honey based in a church garden in Vauxhall.

On Easter Sunday, the bishop will hand out Easter eggs made from fairtrade chocolate to children in the congregation, including 40 choristers.

Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn said: "We want everyone to share in the joy of Easter. Supporting struggling Palestinian communities, cocoa growers and local organic industries is one way we can do this."