MORE than 1,000 jobs were on offer at Bolton's biggest careers event.

Hundreds of visitors made their way to Bolton College for the fifth Bolton Jobs and Skills Fair.

The event is held annually for jobseekers and people seeking employment advice.

Principle Marie Gilluley said: "It has been busy right from the off this morning and we have had employers saying they've had lots of enquiries.

"There are lots of employers here and opportunities for recruitment, guidance for careers, training opportunities.

"It's all about getting people focussed on job opportunities."

Among the hundreds of stalls, visitors could get hands on with skills such as hairdressing, decorating and motor mechanics with try-outs hosted by the college.

There was also advice on apprenticeships or college courses, the National Careers Services and the Job Centre.

Employment opportunities ranged from full-time, part-time, placements and advice on starting your own business.

Among the companies were event sponsors Warburtons, who said they had received plenty of interest on the day, and Westhoughton-based Stateside Foods.

HR manager Natalie Goodall said: "It is a really worthwhile event.

"It is a great opportunity for us to engage with students at the college and the people of Bolton.

"We've hand quite a lot of CVs handed in today and it's nice to meet those people face to face."

The event is organised by Bolton College in partnership with Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Job Centre Plus and the University of Bolton.

Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi, who attended on the day, said: "I think it is a great event for Bolton and last year over 1,000 came through the door.

"I can remember years ago career fairs were just some tables with leaflets but here you can meet people and see what goes into the job, whether that's cutting hair or changing a tyre.

"It is nice way of encouraging people to come into the college as well as meet local employers and find out about job opportunities."