ETHNIC craftsmen have been thrown a lifeline by customers of a York shop re-opened by environmentalist David Bellamy.

The famous naturalist, known for his distinctive voice, travelled through the streets of York on a Cambodian ox cart before declaring And Albert, in Low Petergate, open.

The unusual transport evoked memories of how the professor met And Albert founder David Murden, and bought a similar cart from him. The pair formed a friendship based on respect for the ethics that Mr Murden's stores champion.

Prof Bellamy said: "I had been Christmas shopping in York, went into the shop and saw the ox cart, which I bought for my bedroom.

"It was delivered by David, and we found that we got on very well. I have a lot of respect for what he does and help him whenever I can. The ox cart is still in my bedroom, which is very large and overlooks the Tuscan hills."

The shop, which has returned to the city after a ten-month absence, trades with communities from some of the poorest countries in the world, with an emphasis on fair trade.

Mr Murden buys traditional crafts from the country's inhabitants, and puts profits back into their communities.