JOBSEEKERS flocked to a fair to meet employers looking for staff.

More than 600 people went to a jobs fair in Bridlington, organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Jobcentre Plus.

The event, opened by council chairman Coun Mary Rose Hardy, was designed to give those looking for work the opportunity to meet and talk to employers directly. There were also several organisations available to help and advise those looking for a job.

Jill Gibson, Bridlington Jobcentre Plus manager, said: "The jobs fair was planned to help our customers in Bridlington and surrounding areas and I judge us successful by the 600 people who came through the doors and accessed information about work and training opportunities.

Good news is already coming in confirming that people have started work as a direct result of the fair." More than 40 local organisations attended the event on Wednesday, March 3, and exhibitors said they were impressed with the enthusiasm and calibre of people looking for work.

The seaside town suffered a major blow in January when 550 people employed at Bridlington's Hibernia Foods factory lost their jobs.

Updated: 16:41 Tuesday, March 16, 2004