RECRUITING for Christmas work will start on Thursday with the first of eight job fairs in the region.

David Pugh, from Jobcentre Plus said: "This is a great opportunity to get a bit of extra cash for Christmas, or to take the first step towards returning to the workplace. A range of temporary and permanent jobs is available.

"The run-up to Christmas can be a great time to land a job, because many of the jobs can lead to permanent work and the experience gained can also help in the future."

Hundreds of jobs are said to be on offer as employers look for additional staff for the Christmas rush. Jobcentre Plus has teamed up with retailers to organise recruiting sessions to give job-seekers the chance to find out what employment is available.

The first event will be held at the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, on Thursday, between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Others will be held on Wednesday, September 5, in the Legends Lounge, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, between 10am and 2.30pm

On Friday, September 7, the venue is the Information Centre, Teesside Retail Park, Thornaby, from 10am to 3pm.

It is the turn of Darlington on Monday, September 10, on the lower ground floor, of the Cornmill Centre, from 10am to 5pm.

There will be a session at the Castlegate Centre, High Street, Stockton, on Wednesday, September 12, from 10am to 3pm.

Billingham Forum, the Causeway, Billingham, holds an event, on Thursday, September 13, between 10am to 2pm, followed by Redcar Jobcentre Plus Office on Saturday, September 15, from 10am to 3pm.

Eston Jobcentre Plus Office is the venue on Wednesday, September 19, from 10am to 3pm

For more details, contact Jobseeker Direct on 0845-60-60-234 or visit the Jobcentre Plus website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk