HUNDREDS of jobseekers flocked to the 6th Halesowen and Rowley Regis Jobs and Skills Fair - organised by MP James Morris.

National companies including HSBC, and Barclays were joined by well-known local employers, including Waldron's Solicitors, Pertemps and Trinity Personnel at the event at Cornbow Hall in Halesowen.

More than forty organisations were present showcasing jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, ranging from trainee solicitors and social care to graphic design and construction.

Around 500 jobseekers attended the fair, organised by James Morris and Jobcentreplus.

Mr Morris thanked the exhibitors and jobseekers who attended.

He said: "Even though local unemployment is lower than in 2010, we still need to do everything possible to help people in Halesowen and Rowley Regis find work and gain the skills and qualifications they need to build careers.

“These jobs fairs are a useful way of bringing local people who are looking for work or training face-to-face with businesses and training providers who have opportunities on offer.

“I spoke to all of the companies and know how impressed they were with the quality of the people at the Jobs and Skills Fair, and that many are already planning to interview jobseekers they met at the event.”

It was the 11th jobs and skills event James has organised since 2010.

There was also careers advice available from the The Apprenticeship Works and Halesowen College, as well as organisations offering basic skills training and entry-level qualifications to help people into work at the event on Friday, June 7.