CHRISTMAS is to come early for job-seekers in Hartlepool.

The town's new action team for jobs is setting up the first ever Christmas jobs fair at the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre on Friday, September 29.

Part-time and full-time seasonal vacancies will be advertised as well as a selection of current vacancies from the Hartlepool JobCentre.

Action team advisors will offer advice and assistance to people looking for work. Representatives from some of the town's stores will also attend to talk about their vacancies.

Annette Harrison, manager of the action team, said: "We are taking these jobs right into the heart of the shopping centre, making it even easier for people to find out about job opportunities.

"We have hundreds of vacancies from many of the retailers in the town and look forward to meeting people in the shopping centre."

The fair will run from 9.30am until 4.30pm.