A Finchley church went bananas to help raise money for fair-trade.

Clergy at St Mary’s Church in Hendon Lane, Finchley donned banana outfits as they raised money for Fairtrade Fortnight.

In recent years, the church has raised money for workers in Malawi, but this year turned its attention to the banana trade in Columbia.

The Rev Stefan Chrysostomou wear a banana outfit and a communal conga wove its way through the church.

Organiser Lynne Radnedge said raising awareness for Fairtrade is just as important as raising money.

She said: “Everyone has been fantastic sports for dressing up and getting involved. There are couples here who are into their 80s and are still dressing up for the occasion.

“Our theme this year is to help Fairtrade workers in Columbia who work in the banana trade, earn a decent living.

“People complain that Fairtrade costs more and that is true, but look at where the money is going and there is a reason why.”

MP for Finchley and Golders Green Mike Freer used pedal power to help create fresh smoothies for passers by.

Vicar the Rev Phillip Davison said that he was thankful to avoid donning the fruity outfits this time around.

He said: “I dressed up last year so I have passed those duties on for this year and the banana outfits have gone down a treat.

“We believe it is very important to support fair-trade and we want to raise as much as possible to send over to Columbia.”