RECORD numbers turned out for a recruitment fair at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre today.

Organisers estimated that around 200 job seekers would attend and were surprised to find nearly 1,600 turn up.

More than 300 vacancies were on offer from 15 recruiting businesses, including EE, Virgin Start Up, Bella Italia, Iceland and The Woollen Mill.

The objective of the Darlington Recruitment and Jobs Fair, organised by Darlington Borough Council, was to link employers with potential employees.

Councillor Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: "With hundreds of jobs on offer, it's no surprise that over 1,500 people visited to take the opportunity to get face to face with employers. The feedback from businesses has highlighted the calibre of people in Darlington. It's not difficult to see why so many businesses are choosing to invest here."

Lucy Humphreys, policy and research officer for Darlington Borough Council, organised the fair and was delighted by its success.

She said: “I thought if we got 200 people we would be doing well. It’s been amazing to have 1,600 through the doors.”

“Businesses have been encouraged by the quality of candidates.” She pointed to Iceland, who filled all 20 of their vacancies from today’s fair alone, as an example of the fair working effectively.

Job-seeker Gillian Bake, 49, from Darlington was impressed with the event, especially the training courses on offer and opportunities for further education.

She said: “I think it is a brilliant idea to have this fair. It gives people an idea of what jobs are up and coming because you don’t always know what’s available.”

Information on future job and recruitment fairs can be found by contacting Darlington Council’s business support team at business.support@darlington.gov.uk