A JOBS fair has been organised following the loss of a community’s biggest employer.

The Helping Hand event in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, will pull together a series of agencies to offer support and advice to those hit by unemployment.

MP Phil Wilson initiated the event after Rock Farm Dairy, in the village, shut last month resulting in the loss of 81 jobs.

Mr Wilson, whose Sedgefield constituency includes Wheatley Hill, said the closure was a bitter blow to the village and surrounding areas such as Thornley.

He said: “The dairy was the biggest employer in the village, over half the people who worked there are from the village or close by and there are a lot of people in the area on benefits.

“We wanted to let people know we are here for them, to see what we can do to help and put them in touch with the experts who can give good advice.

“The jobs fair is not just for people from the dairy but anyone who wants support to look for work, for training or financial and benefits advice or to set up their own business.”

Mr Wilson and his team worked with Jobcentre Plus, Durham County Council and employment agencies to organise the event which will be at Wheatley Hill Community Association, The Greenhills Centre, Stepehns Terrace, on Friday, July 4, from 10am to noon.

Mr Wilson will hold a surgery and other agencies taking part include the Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare Champions, National Careers Service, New College Durham, recruitment agencies and business, training and welfare experts.

Anyone interested can attend on the day or visit Mr Wilson’s office at 4 Beveridge Walkway, Newton Aycliffe on Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, call 01325-321603.

Alternatively visit the website philwilsonmp.co.uk, follow him on Twitter @PhilWilsonMP or email phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk.