A bustling stream of job seekers packed into The Argus Careers and Training Fair.

Hundreds came to join recruitment agencies or find their calling amongst the dozens of stalls set up in the Corn Exchange, Church Street.

In its ninth consecutive year, the fair had 44 stands, topping the 30 stands at the one held in March.

South Downs Health NHS Trust, Sussex Careers Service, Office Angels, Lloyds TSB, Marks and Spencer, Hove College and Telegen were just a few of the selection of companies represented.

The number of people looking for jobs was good news for many businesses, many of whom often say they find it difficult to find the right candidates for jobs.

Nursing jobs were proving popular and Nuffield Hospitals staff were constantly handing out application forms.

Out patient sister Marion Heath said: "It was very, very quiet to start with. We thought we would be twiddling our thumbs but now we're giving out a lot of forms.

"Most of them are asking about salaries, which are currently being reviewed, and they also want to know whether they need previous experience.

"We give full training for every post."

The Samaritan's Brighton and Hove director Mary, who can only use her first name for professional purposes, said: "There has been a lot of interest in becoming listening volunteers and helping as fund-raisers.

"We have been coming here for seven years and we will keep coming back. It's good to be here for recruitment and to make people aware of our services."

Maggie Taylor, of Hunters Recruitment, said: "We're making the most of the day by talking to as many people as possible.

"We always come to the recruitment fair because its run so well."

Reliance Security's Tara Parme-Pullen (CORR) said: "We do security for blue chip and retail companies. We have been busy but the people coming up are predominantly male.

"It's a male dominated industry. We employ both males and females but the job is not as attractive to women, even though they are just as capable."

Sophie Embury, 18, a former Sussex Downs College student, wanted something to do in her gap year before she goes to university in London.

She said: "I already knew what I was looking for.

"I went to two stalls with consumer service jobs and I'm filling out the forms now."

Karen Cristina, 22, needed to find a job to go with her tourism studies at Bournemouth University.

She said: "I came her looking for ideas, I've got to do a year placement to complete my course."

Lisa Standing, a recruitment manager at The Argus who co-organised the event, was delighted with the thriving atmosphere.

She said: "It's going very well so far.

"We did another fair in March and it seems to be even busier - it must be the time of year."