HUNDREDS of people from across the district took the chance to find out about employment opportunities at the annual Tynedale Jobs Fair.

More than 50 local employers, including the likes of Egger, Essity, Walwick Hall, Marks and Spencer, Essity and Newcastle United Foundation, were on hand to provide recruitment advice at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre.

It is the fourth year Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman and Hexham Job Centre Plus have organised the fair, which was sponsored by Thompsons of Prudhoe and Northumberland County Council.

The event was useful to people looking for new jobs, seeking to return to work or exploring a new direction in their chosen career.

Students from nearby schools also attended to find out what opportunities exist when they enter the world of work. The advice has proved popular in helping schoolchildren decide on GCSE choices in the past.

Mr Opperman said: “I’m delighted that this - the fourth Tynedale Jobs Fair that I have organised with Hexham Job Centre Plus - has been bigger and better than ever, with over 50 employers, including some of the biggest in Tynedale, attending.

“Hundreds of people have visited, and I know that some have left with employment opportunities.

“Whether you were a business looking to hire or looking for work yourself, it was great to see so many people there.

“I am particularly pleased to have heard really positive feedback from those in attendance and I hope the event helps to change the lives of some local people. I am already looking forward to next year.”

Northumberland county councillor for Prudhoe South, Gordon Stewart, attended the fair and was very impressed with the strong turn-out.

He said: “There was lots of people there and there were lots of great jobs on offer, not just for the fantastic towns of Prudhoe and Hexham but throughout the area.”