EMPLOYERS in Durham are looking to take on workers for the pre-Christmas rush.

Shops, hotels and restaurants gearing up for the seasonal spending boom have vacancies that will be on offer at a jobs fair in the town hall tomorrow.

The event will be launched at 10am by Matt Wilkinson, a presenter with Sunderland radio station Sun FM.

Restaurant chain Bud Bigalows, which first opened at the former Gilesgate station, will be recruiting for its new ventures in Sunderland and Newcastle.

Argos, Boots, Bhs, McDonald's, Marks and Spencer, Marriott Hotels, The Ramside Hotel, Sainsbury's, Swallow Hotels and Woolworths will also be represented.

The UK Passport Service, the Prescription Pricing Authority and Barclaycall will also be looking to find administration workers.

Janet Kelly, a recruitment consultant at Durham City JobCentre, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to meet employers face to face, and I would encourage anybody who would like to gain experience in the retail and hospitality sector or return to work to come along to find out more.