HUNDREDS of shoppers and other people are taking the opportunity this week to find out more about new jobs and training available in mid Kent.

The third annual Maidstone Jobs Fair is being held daily until Saturday on the upper level of the Chequers Shopping Centre, Maidstone, from 9am to 5pm.

Some 18 local companies and organisations including the police, the army, Leeds Castle and Kent Messenger Group are exhibiting at the event, providing information on public and private sector job vacancies and in the area.

Town Centre Manager David Spink said: "Unemployment in the area is now below two per cent and when it reaches that level, we have problems recruiting the staff we want."

A host of recruitment agencies and career services are also on hand to provide guidance on finding the right job.

The Employment Service is offering on-site access to the Job Search Database and there is list available of hundreds of seasonal vacancies available in shops throughout Maidstone.

With a large number of young people still deciding what to do with their lives following exam results, training providers including Enterprise Training and Mid Kent College are also exhibiting at the fair.

Mr Spink added: "This fair is targeting anybody looking for employment, be it seasonal, full or part time, their first job or a career change.

"People can find out everything they need to know about how to start working and get the training and skills they, all under one roof."