MORE than 600 festive jobs are up for grabs as retailers across the Tees Valley begin their preparations for Christmas.

A series of jobs fairs are being held in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington this week.

They include positions with high street retailers, including Argos, Asda, BHS, Big W, Binns, Boots, Debenhams, Dixons, HMV, Marks & Spencer, Savacentre, Toys R Us, WH Smith, Woolworths and Virgin Megastore.

Steve Davidson, district manager for Jobcentre Plus in the Tees Valley, said: "Companies are looking to recruit more than 600 people for jobs. The vast majority will be in the retail sector, starting in October to help get ready for the build up to Christmas."

The jobs fairs start tomorrow, between 10am and 7pm at the Swallow Hotel in Stockton.

Other fairs take place on Thursday, at the Town Hall Crypt in Middlesbrough between 10am and 7pm; Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, in Hartlepool, between 10am and 4pm on Thursday and Friday, and Darlington Jobcentre in Woodland Road on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.