THOUSANDS of jobseekers descended upon a popular annual jobs fair at Clacton Town Hall hoping to find employment.

More than 2,000 people poured through the doors of Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday o meet up with 55 businesses all looking to recruit staff.

Hundreds of jobs were up for grabs and many left with interviews and leads to follow up which will hopefully end up in full or part time employment – or training that will lead to a position in the future.

The Tendring Jobs and Careers Fair was free to attend for jobseekers and exhibitors were from both local and national firms and organisations.

Free buses were laid on to bring job hunters in from Dovercourt, Harwich and Jaywick for the event, which was put on by Tendring Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Di Hauserman, a manager at Clacton Jobcentre, said she was delighted with the way the day had gone.

“There was a constant steady flow of people and a real buzz about the theatre today and many left with the real chance of a job or training,” she said.

“There was a good mix of ages and more young people than before coming along, some looking for an apprenticeship as a path into work.

“There were also others already in work searching to better themselves or change direction with a new career.”

Zoe Fairley, the council’s cabinet member for investment and growth, praised all those businesses represented at the fair.

Exhibitors covered a range of sectors including hospitality, care, retail, construction and manufacturing.

The Armed Forces, Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service were also present at the event, which was supported by Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette and Harwich and Manningtree Standard.

Among the firms turning out were Taylor Wimpey, Marks & Spencer, Rose Builders, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Affinity Water, Galloper Wind Farms, Dalau, Colchester Hospital and Job Centre Plus.

Also there were Wivenhoe House Hotel, Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, McDonalds, Orchard Holiday Park, and Surya Foods and Hotels.

Digital Zone and interactive activities included Barclays Digital Eagles Team and other virtual reality experiences.

During the fair TDC hosted a buffet lunch where more than 30 of the District’s top employers got together in the same room.

The day was sponsored by Affinity Water, Harwich Haven Authority, Galloper Wind Farm, Surya Food and Hotels, the Electric Centre and Grange Fencing.