PEOPLE wanting a career in the health service are invited to meet the professionals who already do the job.

A series of job shops have been set up by the six NHS Trusts across Durham and Teesside on Thursday.

The shops are being held in hospitals and NHS Trusts nationally and anyone is welcome to meet people who work in the health service.

Jill Kay, recruitment and retention advisor for the NHS across Durham and Teesside said: "We're really forward to welcoming everyone at the job shops. This is a great opportunity for us to be able to talk on a one-to-one basis with local people about our particular recruitment needs, as well as what they are looking for in a job or career.

"Even if we don't have what they are looking for here and now, for example, if they need further training or are looking for something in a particular field, we'll be able to put them in touch with others in the NHS who will be able to get them on the right track."

Anyone who would like to get a job in the NHS or return to a health service career is invited to the job shops in the area.

Darlington Memorial Hospital is holding its event from 5pm until late, the event at County Hospital, in Durham, will run from 4pm to 10pm, James Cook Hospital, in Middlesbrough, from 2pm to 8pm, University of Hartlepool from 10am to 8pm and University of North Durham from 5pm to 9pm.

The University Hospital of North Tees is holding its event on Friday from 10am to 8pm.