A NEW sponsor has been secured for The Northern Echo 2003 Job Fair exhibiton.

AXA Insurance is working with The Northern Echo to encourge hundreds of people to attend the fair on Friday, June 20, at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington.

The purpose of the exhibition is to provide opportunities and information to anyone embarking on a new job, a different career, or looking for a change of direction.

The event, now in its ninth year, attracts hundreds of people interested in furthering their careers, starting employment or considering further education.

There will be a wide spectrum of exhibitors, including employers, training organisations and colleges, plus information stands covering topics such as CV writing, interviewing techniques and job hunting.

A supplement about the job fair will appear in The Northern Echo on Wednesday, June 18.

AXA Insurance's recruitment manager, Mike Powell, said: "As a major employer in the local market we feel it is important to continue to put something back into the community and feel that supporting The Northern Echo Job Fair is a great opportunity to do so.

"We are an expanding company, able to offer prospects in a number of areas, and believe that the wide audience the job fair attracts will provide us with the opportunity to communicate with the local community. They can talk to us about who we are, what we are doing and what employment opportunities are available to them with us."

The event takes place from 11am to 6pm.