A CEILIDH is being organised in Bridge of Allan to help fair trade rice growers in Malawi.

Fair Trade Stirling is organising the event to help secure a solar powered irrigation pump for the farmers.

The group's Jon Cape said: “Four years ago we were able to help the rice growers purchase a rotavator to make their land more productive and replacing the back-breaking work of manual ploughing.

“This year, with climate change changes weather patterns and reducing rainfall, a solar powered pump will help keep their fields irrigated in a climate-friendly and low cost way.

“Four years ago we met Susan Ntende and Howard Msukwa from the rice growing co-operative based in the Karonga district in the north of Malawi and we know just how hard they are working to make their fair trade rice a success. ”

Stirling MP Steven Paterson is supporting the initiative. He added: “This event is a great opportunity for local people to get involved in promoting sustainable fair trade models across the world – which can really improve the lives of people and communities in developing countries.

“Changing economic and environmental landscapes can have a real impact on the sustainability of certain commodities – particularly those that are grown and farmed in fragile conditions – so it is encouraging to see that Fair Trade Stirling have their fingers on the pulse with aims to assist rice farmers in Malawi in a meaningful way.

“I would encourage locals and visitors to book your tickets now and get involved in this brilliant cause.“

The event will take place on March 11 from 7.30pm at the parish church hall opposite the Coop in the town. It will feature the Stirling Riverside Ceilidh Band.

Tickets can be bought online at eventbrite.com, just search Fair Trade Stirling.