A STEADY stream of visitors kept exhibitors busy at the Examiner Jobs and Training Fair.

More than 20 organisations set up stands at Huddersfield Town Hall - and were delighted with the turnout of hundreds of people.

Huddersfield Jobcentre Plus highlighted scores of temporary jobs on offer from retailers for seasonal workers in the run-up to Christmas.

Staff also promoted their own jobs and information fair, which takes place on Saturday at the Market Street branch.

Personal adviser Linda Gorman said: "We also had a number of lone parents coming round to find out about job vacancies and benefits."

Yunus Mogra, equality and diversity manager for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, said: "We had a lot of interest in a range of vacancies.

"We also told people about our 24-hour recruitment hotline."

Colleague Danielle Smith, assistant general manager for surgery, said: "There was a good deal of interest from women wanting to return to nursing after having children, or attracted by the flexible hours we can offer.

"They also wanted to know about training to bring their skills up to date."

Joanna Darnel, industrial consultant for Huddersfield recruitment agency Travail, said: "It has been really good.

"We had quite a few school-leavers looking for training opportunities, as well as people seeking temporary employment or openings in management posts."

Travail also alerted visitors to its recent move to new premises - from St Peter's Street to George Street.

Lynne Cuncliffe, personnel officer for Kirklees Council, said: "We have had a lot of people asking about work experience and apprenticeships.

"We have our own `temping' agency, Temp Direct, which recruits to provide short-term cover for sickness or holiday absence.

"We have been explaining how people can use the agency to work on a short-term basis and get valuable work experience."

Tricia Cooper, administration officer for the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, reported strong demand for details about apprenticeships in subjects such as information technology and business administration.

"We have also had a number of students asking Business Link staff about starting their own businesses," she added.

The fair was organised by the Examiner, with Careers 4 Adults and Connexions West Yorkshire.

Other exhibitors included Huddersfield University, the Technical College, the Army, Calderdale College at Halifax, the Creative Industries Development Agency, Kirklees Council's Early Years Service, Bradford College and the West Yorkshire Fire Service.