ITV help Not Just a Little Business to grow

Anna Lee (left) hands over the donation to members of Not Just a Little Business and RBH Community Action Worker Khalida Crossley

A group of youngsters who help farmers in the developing world get a fair price for their produce have been boosted by a donation from ITV.

Anna Lee, Production Manager on ‘The Trials of Jimmy Rose, visited Not Just a Little Business at their Lower Falinge base to present them with a cheque for £500.

It was by way of a thank you to both RBH and its customers for the support they offered during a filming project last November.

The forthcoming drama, which stars Ray Winstone in the title role, saw a number of key scenes filmed in College Bank, Rochdale.

ITV appreciated the help they received so much that, as well as paying a fee to RBH, they were keen to support the community.

Not Just a Little Business are a social enterprise set up by RBH who sell Fair Trade tea, coffee, rice and chocolate at special markets across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

As well as helping farmers receive a fair price for their produce the group learn valuable business skills while all profits are used to pay for training such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Anna, who has also handed over a similar donation to Springhill Hospice on behalf of ITV, enjoyed finding out more about the group when she called in.

Anna said: “It was great to come back to Rochdale where we were made so welcome by everyone during the filming.

“The borough is well known as the birthplace of the Co-operative Movement and it was wonderful to learn how the young people are following in that tradition by coming together to help both themselves and others.”

One of the group members, Ayra Ahmed, 15, said: “We’re very grateful to ITV as this money will help pay for more training and help us improve our job skills.

“It was lovely to meet Anna and we enjoyed talking to her about the experiences we have had running our own business.”