A FOOTBALLING great helped launch an event designed to help people find work.

Former Newcastle United, Arsenal and England striker Malcolm MacDonald, better known as Supermac, kicked off Durham's annual Christmas Jobsfair in the town hall on Thursday.

Organised by Durham Jobcentre,the event advertised about 300 vacancies, including full and part-time retail and hospitality jobs with employers such as Marks and Spencer, BHS and the Marriott Hotel.

There were also many permanent administrative and care worker positions with local organisations, such as the Prescription Pricing Authority, Carewatch and the University Hospital of North Durham.

Janet Kelly, recruitment consultant at Durham City Jobcentre, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for anybody who wanted to gain experience in the retail and hospitality sector or return to work.

"A lot of temporary jobs become full-time so this was an ideal opportunity to begin developing a career in the retail sector."