A JOB fair at Ulverston's Coronation Hall attracted almost 200 people.

BAE Systems and Bender UK were among the 30 companies and training organisations represented, along with Furness College and Gen 2.

Ulverston Community Partnership and Barrow JobCentrePlus arranged the event, and the partnership's Cllr Norman Bishop-Rowe said: "The event at the Coro is always well supported because it gives companies the chance to reach out into the community, and people seeking jobs find it a friendly and welcoming venue to informally chat with people, and explore possibilities."

A steady stream of visitors seeking new jobs or skills through training attended the three-hour job fair. Ulverston Community Enterprises also had a stall to recruit volunteers to help run the Coronation Hall alongside full-time staff, and to encourage applicants for the role of hospitality and bar manager at the venue.

Fiona Priestley from Barrow JobCentrePlus said: "It was a great turnout despite terrible weather on the day, and the feedback from the companies and organisations at the show was excellent.

"They told us that they met some very good candidates for the vacancies and training opportunities they were offering, and were optimistic that many of the conversations at the event would result in full-time employment."