MORE than 1,500 would-be employees flocked to Trowbridge Civic Hall on Thursday to make the most of the Wiltshire Times' Jobs and Careers Exhibition.

The all-day event featured stands representing 32 employers from west Wiltshire and beyond ranging from McDonald's to The Army.

With the announcement just two days before that 155 jobs will be axed when Nestl closes its dessert factory at Staverton, many of the plant's workers joined Thursday's crowds. Company bosses say they plan to pull out of the site by September and its staff took the chance to consider their next move.

Many stall holders reported better than expected interest in their companies, despite the cold weather, with job seekers ranging from sixth formers to those looking for a change of direction.

Wiltshire Times deputy classified manager Laura Bollen was among those organising the event, which is now in its eighth year.

She said: "We had a steady flow of people until the snow started to settle. But all the exhibitors were really good and stayed as long as they could.

"We had a gentleman from Calne, who got an interview for the following Friday and there were quite a few coming back with forms they had picked up."

Making its debut at the event was the expanding Chippenham-based IT sales company Bechtle Direct. The firm employs 2,500 staff across Europe, but has its UK base at Bumpers Farm.

Sales director James Napp said the firm was hoping to use the job fair to snap up some more marketing staff.

He said: "We have had four or five people who have been interested and would generally fit the bill. There's quite a specific person that we are looking for.

"Sometimes it's quite difficult to communicate what we want through a specific job ad so an event like this is great to get face-to-face contact."

Trowbridge frozen food giant apetito had a prime spot in the Civic Hall's foyer and staff were hopeful Nestl workers might be tempted in the firm's direction.

Human resources department member Kathy Bailey said: "We are in an

ideal location as we're seen by everybody who comes in. The event was advertised very well and everybody knows it's going on."

Other stallholders included Vodafone looking to recruit staff for its call centre on the White Horse Business Park. Wilts Wholesale Electrical was hoping to sign up delivery drivers for its warehouses.

With almost 60 CVs received by the early afternoon, Juice Recruitment was another big winner.

Director Andrew Summers said: "We have had quite a few people from Nestl enquiring about what might be available for them in September."

Lisa Mead, of Westbury won a home entertainment system in the Wiltshire Times Free Prize Draw.