More than 3,000 people flocked to The Argus Careers and Training Exhibition in Brighton yesterday.

The event was a chance for the unemployed, graduates and those seeking a career change to make contacts, get expert advice and hear about vacancies from the companies exhibiting.

Careers on offer ranged from manufacturing, banking, information technology, insurance and sales to catering and leisure opportunities.

The exhibition was held at the Corn Exchange and was one of the most popular events The Argus has run so far.

Pippa Bolton, telephone sales manager at The Argus, said: "We are delighted. It was one of the busiest events of this kind we have done. We had more than 500 people in during the first hour."

Catherine Geraghty, 17, from Hove, went to the fair with her mother, Linda, to give her moral support.

Linda, 47, who is unemployed, said: "There were a couple of firms here who I had been thinking about applying to. It was nice to be able to come in and talk to them about what vacancies they had and fill in an application form."

Catherine added: "It can be much easier to talk to somebody face to face than it is to ring up after seeing an advert. Though I am working at the moment, it was good to come along today to see what else is on offer."

Simona Comazzi, recruitment co-ordinator for American Express, spent the day talking to visitors about job vacancies at the credit card firm.

She said: "We did not stop all day and got to speak to a number of people who would be suitable for American Express."

Mike Forrest, consultant for Hogg Robinson Corporate and Employment Services, which is representing Crawley firm Paymaster, said: "We had people visiting our stall all day.

"We spoke to about 30 people seriously and 20 of them have already arranged interviews for next week. Events like this are very useful for us and the public.

"They attract a wide range of people, many of whom perhaps have not thought about approaching us."