HUNDREDS of job seekers flocked to Northwich to find out the work and apprenticeship opportunities available in Cheshire.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans held his fourth annual jobs fair at Mid Cheshire College, in Hartford, on Thursday.

A total of 49 companies attended the event, including national engineering companies Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall, which last year offered almost 100 local apprenticeships between them, and mid Cheshire firms Roberts Bakery and Cygnet.

Graham said 200 job hunters left their details on the day, which is a reduction in numbers from the first jobs fair in 2012.

He said this was the sign of a success story as in February 2012 unemployment in Weaver Vale was 5.4 per cent but three years on it is at 2.3 per cent.

"The first time we did the fair we had 700 people and we had nowhere near that number this year," he said.

"I would say that's a positive because unemployment has dropped significantly by more than half since we first did it in 2012."

The fair was launched to help unemployed people get back in to work, whether they are looking for an apprenticeship, career change or to enter work for the first time.

Graham said: "We must keep on working to make sure everybody who wants a job can find a job to be proud of.

"Few things matter more than being able to earn a wage, support your family, and plan for a better future.

"That's why more, better jobs are at the heart of my plan for Weaver Vale.

"Although unemployment in Weaver Vale was down to just 2.3 per cent last month, we can't be complacent.

"We must keep on working to deliver our long-term economic plan to secure a better future for Weaver Vale and make sure everybody who wants a job can find a job to be proud of.

"I want to give my personal thanks to Mid-Cheshire College for hosting this event, Northwich and Runcorn Job Centre Plus staff and the Warrington Chamber of Commerce for all their hard work, as well as all the companies and job hunters who came along."