BARTON's Job Fair could become an annual event after hundreds streamed through the doors of its Neighbourhood Centre today.

More than 250 people attended the second ever job fair of its kind, which saw queues stretch back and cars parked all around Underhill Circus.

Jobseekers from the estate and surrounding areas were able to apply to 800 vacancies up for grabs and receive advice about training opportunities.

Now organisers say they hope the job fair can become a permanent fixture on the calendar.

Training Consultant Martin Ousley, from Barton, helped organise the event along with charity Aspire, Oxford City Council, the Barton Community Association and Job Centre Plus.

He said: "It would be great for the job fair to become a permanent event. 
"It's not just jobs being on offer, but it gives employers a chance to engage with the community.

"This year we covered most of the employment sectors and we have training opportunities for people, but also had professionals giving advice on people working towards employment."

The employers on display ranged from betting company William Hill to Oxford University Hospitals and everything in between.

The full range of 34 exhibitors included Barton Park constructors Blackwells and Westgate Centre developers Laing o’Rourke and Land Securities.

Travelodge also set up a mock room and were advertising receptionist, cafe and bar and cleaning jobs.

Barbara Remez, from Blackbird Leys, said she thought the event was "great and well-organised".

The mother-of-two, who has been looking for a full-time job since May, said she was looking for a complete career change.

She added: "There are many opportunities for people to find work, jobs and training.

"I have a degree in planning so I've been looking for jobs which I can use those skills, but looking around there were so many opportunities.

"It's been great, and I would like to thank Martin and the organisers for putting the effort in to organise it."

Plans are under way for more job fairs in Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill later this year.

Paul Roberts, chief operating officer said the atmosphere in Barton was great, and added the aim was to try and offer something for everyone.

He added: "It is true that Oxfordshire has a good employment rate and there is just over 2,000 people on jobseekers allowance, but there is 16,000 people in the county who have been long-term unemployed.

"These job fairs aim to provide those people with opportunities to get them into training or back into work."

People signed up on arrival for the event from 10am to 3pm, and were able to get help in filling out applications forms, with some having interviews for positions there and then.

Wayne Heger, district manager for Travelodge, set up a mock hotel room up in the Neighbourhood Centre.

He said: "We have had a lot of people interested in receptionist roles.

"It's been really good, we have about 20 vacancies for our branches in Oxfordshire and being optimistic I think we have filled half of them today."