THOUSANDS of job seekers poured into the Guildhall, Worcester yesterday for the third annual Evening News Jobs and Careers Fair.

Twenty-two organisations, covering everything from schools and colleges, to recruitment agencies and the Armed Forces, were on hand to answer questions and point people in the right direction.

Some prospective employers were there for the third year running.

Many said they were impressed with the quality of the visitors to the fair, as well as the quantity, with most visitors seriously looking for work and not just "browsing".

Chief Petty Officer Allan Hopkins, representing the Royal Navy on the combined Armed Forces stand, said most people he had spoken to had been "seriously thinking about it".

"We have had a few time-wasters but mainly it's been people who want a job," he said.

"It's also good for recruiting reserves - people who are unemployed can spare a few nights a week and they get paid for it, as well as learning new skills."

He said the fair also gave the Armed Forces, which attend every year, a chance to meet other employers.

"It makes you realise how competitive the recruitment world is."

Sealine International, which builds luxury motor cruisers at its site in Whitehouse Road, Kidderminster, was also at the fair for the third year running.

The company, which employs 490 people, was looking for carpenters, assemblers, laminators, upholsterers and engine fitters.

"We are continually expanding, with new boat models coming out all the time," said Gerald Taylor, training officer with the firm.

"As well as recruiting, it's good for people to learn about us."

He said there were more people at the fair this year than ever before, and there was a good mix of youngsters and "more mature" people.

"It's the quality of people as well - they're really interested in what you've got to offer. They're not just walking around."

West Mercia police said they had been so busy that they had had to send out for more printed material to give to visitors.

"It's been very successful for us," said Caroline Hill, recruitment administrator at West Mercia headquarters, in Hindlip, Worcester.

"We are looking for police officers but we are also giving a lot of advice on the civilian side - support staff positions, for example."