EAGER career seekers have piled into the Advertiser's job fair to find a fresh start.

More than 60 people queued up outside the De Vere Hotel venue at Shaw Ridge yesterday morning, long before opening time, fresh faced and ready to meet their potential future employers.

Inside were more than 20 organisations, including companies and recruitment agencies, waiting to greet prospective candidates.

Rob Jones, general manager for Welcome Break's Membury services, said: "We are looking for people who have energy and can deal with people with a smile.

"We are expecting a big seasonal influx as the spring and summer get under way, so we are looking to take on people who are prepared to work during the day and also night shifts as well, so we are looking for a broad range of people."

Nearby, Swindon charitable organisation Threshold was using the event to try to fill four vacancies, including outreach workers and a cook.

Phil Smith, operations director, said: "These events are very effective. Not only do we get to hear from prospective candidates but we can talk to them and ask what they think and they can tell us what they think of the organisation. It's an excellent way of meeting people."

In another room was Stonham, one of the UK's largest supported housing providers. It was looking for two people to fill positions locally.

Ceri Evans-Ford, the company's service manager, said: "We are looking for people who are ready to jump in to the role and be ready for any major crisis that might come up. They have to be good problem-solvers and have plenty of life experience.

"It's not all about academic credentials. People with no qualifications can work alongside those with degrees, but with experience they can all bring something to the table."

Sarah Soper, of recruitment firm Concept Staffing, based in Wootton Bassett, said: "There are no set patterns to how people decide when they want a new job. Before, there would be a new year rush to make a new start.

"Our biggest difficulty is filling skilled jobs particularly for carpenters and welders. On the other hand there are only a few jobs in IT but many people with the skills ready to fill them but cannot get the work."

It was estimated that more than 1,000 people passed through the doors of the fair during the day.