It's hoped a jobs fair will bring new opportunities for jobseekers in Swale.

The event will be held at Wyvern Hall, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, September 26.

Local businesses, Swale Heating and Shepherd Neame have already confirmed their support as sponsors for the event and will also be participating as exhibitors along with more 40 other companies offering 400-plus jobs.

MP Gordon Henderson and Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, are the hosts of the event, which is running in conjunction with Kent County Council, Swale council and Job Centre Plus.

School leavers and those looking for a job, career change or apprenticeship opportunities are also invited to attend.

There will also be an opportunity for anyone looking to start up their own business to talk with a team of experts within the business and financial sectors at a business start up clinic.

Mr Henderson said: “There are 3,000 people unemployed in Sittingbourne and Sheppey. Many of those people want to work and I think that as their MP it is my responsibility to try and help them find a job.

“I believe that reducing the level of unemployment is critical, because doing so will not only benefit individuals, but also our wider community.”

Mr Robertson added: “I am delighted to support Swale Jobs Fair, which is a fantastic opportunity to generate local jobs for local people and brings many of our local employers together with Jobseekers as well as students entering the jobs market.”

For more information visit the website www.swalejobsfair.co.uk