HUNDREDS of Worcester people - from teenagers to pensioners and students to retired professionals - flocked to the 10th Worcester News Jobs and Careers Fair.

The event at the Guildhall yesterday was a chance for people to get more information about jobs and educational opportunities in the area. And 21 exhibitors took the opportunity to promote their organisations and provide information about careers and courses.

It was organised by the Worcester News in association with Jobcentre Plus and was sponsored by Hewitt Recruitment.

Liz Bosley, manager for the Worcester Branch of A4e Educate - an employment agency for teachers and nursery nurses, said attending the fair would enable her company to raise its profile among schools, teachers, nursery schools and nurses.

"We have had a very good response. We are one of the only educational recruitment agencies in the area.

"We want to attract teachers and nursery nurses to help them access work.

"We would definitely come again to this event."

The University of Worcester had a stand to provide information about courses and jobs on campus.

Personnel advisor Alison Simcox said: "We have had young people aged about 15 come to us and people in their 70s and 80s at the other end of the scale.

"There have been a lot of local people who attended the university college years ago and have come back to inquire about other courses.

"A lot of people are interested in nursing, midwifery and teaching so we have brought along a specialist in midwifery and nursing and an experienced lecturer."

Hilary Woodward, university personnel advisor, said: "This is our third year at this fair. It is well worth it for us. We got a number of people who are in full time jobs and they want to do a post graduate course to further their career. And we get some people who want a complete change of career."

Andrew Day, aged 21 and unemployed from Drake Avenue, Dines Green, said: "I have come along looking for courses to go on and jobs. I am interested in learning a trade like brick laying and then may be starting up my own business in the future when I have some experience.

"I am on a course with Community Service Volunteers in Worcester and they asked if I wanted to come along. I've been getting advice here about setting up my own business. it is an opportunity for people to turn their lives around."