SEVENTY-FIVE employers from across the district turned out for the fifth annual Tynedale Jobs Fair this week.

Organised by Hexham Job Centre Plus and MP Guy Opperman, and sponsored by Egger, the event brought together local people searching for a new job with regional employers.

Held at the Wentworth Leisure Centre, the fair saw companies including Go North East, Marks and Spencer, Natural Ability, the North East Autism Society, Journey Enterprises, Egger, Northumbria Police, Thompsons of Prudhoe, Northumbria Healthcare NHS, Northumberland County Council and Greggs set up stalls.

One attendee who had landed his job at the very same jobs fair two years ago was Kenneth Blyth, who gave up retirement to work as a part-time, Christmas check-out operator with Tesco.

“I was looking for work over the winter months which was flexible and could fit around me, so that’s how I ended up at the fair, “ Kenneth said. “Now I’ve been here two years, and I’ve moved up to become a part-time admin assistant with the company. It goes to show what opportunities are available.”

Last year Tesco also employed two new checkout operators from the fair, both of whom remain with the company today.

Mr Opperman said: “It’s been the biggest and best attended fair so far.

“There are jobs in both public to private sectors, full or part time and with both local and national businesses.

“There is a job, apprenticeship, or training programme to suit everyone. We’re also offering employment both here in Tynedale but also in Newcastle and Gateshead.

“We also had young people from Prudhoe Community High School attend to look at some of the opportunities available to them in the North-East when they leave education.”