TENDRING’S fourth annual Jobs and Careers Fair has been hailed a huge success with almost 2,000 jobseekers turning out for the event.

The fair – staged at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday – also attracted more than 50 employers and exhibitors who were more than happy with the response.

It was also a special day for one lucky jobseeker who walked out with a job with Lifehouse Spa at Thorpe and will start work on Monday!

More than 750 jobs were up for grabs at the six hour fair run by the Regeneration Team at Tendring Council, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and Essex County Council.

It was supported by Abellio Greater Anglia, the Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette, The Harwich and Manningtree Standard and Dream 100.

Tendring council cabinet member for Planning and Regeneration Giles Watling said he was very encouraged by the number of employers who took part and the overall turnout.

“This event fits in perfectly with the Council’s goals to support business growth as well as enable better job prospects for our residents,” he said.

“We have been able to link many jobseekers with employers today and it was an extremely busy day for all involved - and another terrific success. I thank all those who played a part in making it happen.”

Mr Watling said that such events prove that Tendring is open for business and the signs are promising for the future.

Free buses were laid on to bring jobseekers to Clacton from Harwich and Jaywick.

JobCentre Plus customer service operations manager Di Hauseman said: “It has been an excellent day for the employers and the jobseekers.

“This is the main event that we stage in Clacton each year and the feedback has been so positive which makes it all worthwhile.

“The fair is becoming an established part of the District’s calendar and long may it continue.”

It was opened by George Scurrell who attended the event in 2014 and ended up with a job with GCS Alarms as a direct result.

Exhibitors came from many fields including leisure, catering, care, hospitality, retailing, manufacturing, construction and logistics, banking and the public sector. The fair was sponsored by ALM Training, Booker, Grange Fencing and Fryers Farm Shop at Lawford.