The six o'clock news presenter, patron of the Fairtrade Foundation, visited Thornhill School to see how students' shopping habits are making a change in the lives of Third World producers.

He said: "When I look back at my education I get images of Oxbow lakes, but now pupils like the ones here are learning about what's happening outside their community.

"Some of these kids probably won't ever visit countries like Ghana, but they are willing to put their minds into the minds of others around the world. That wouldn't have happened 40 years ago."

The Durham University graduate and former foreign correspondent's visit came just months after Sunderland was awarded fair trade status for encouraging people to shop ethically.

Buying and selling fair trade products ensures farmers in developing countries receive an agreed and stable price for the crops they grow, as well as additional income to invest in the future.

Year 7 pupil Ryan Crosby, 11, who led a presentation in honour of Mr Alagiah's visit, said: "It was really good. He told us about things we didn't know about fair trade and why we should buy it.

"I've had lessons on fair trade and now I buy it. If we buy fair trade it helps people in Africa. No one should be treated differently because of where they live."`