THOUSANDS of job seekers visited the two-day Kent Messenger Careers Expo.

The event, held at the Ramada Hotel and Resort at Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, attracted more than 4,500 people.

Thirty-five of Kent's major employers manned stalls offering full and part time positions and training opportunities.

Exhibitors included supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury's, BAE Systems, Kent County Council, Kent Police, Del Monte and the Kent Messenger Group.

The event, now in its second year, was aimed at anyone considering a change in direction or looking for a full time position after school, college or university. It also offered guidance for people who have been out of work due to motherhood or illness.

Guest speakers shared their expertise on CV-writing, interview technique and writing skills. Many of the stallholders were hoping to line up a bevy of new staff with the right skills.

Sue Huntley, KM classified manager, said: "We were very pleased with both the quality and quantity of visitors over both days of Expo. Job seekers covered a broad spectrum of the employment market from graduates through to mid career changers and women returning to work."

She added: "Judging from the excellent feedback we have received from exhibitors I am confident that many of their vacancies will be filled by candidates who attended Expo."