NEARLY 350 people attended a jobs and apprenticeship fair in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

The event was organised by Go Higher West Yorkshire – a project involving a dozen higher education organisations – working alongside the shopping centre and Keighley IT business ComputerGentle.

It gave young people, parents and the wider community an opportunity to speak directly to employers, training providers, and higher education institutes.

Stall holders included employers such as Nestle, Lloyds Banking Group, Specsavers and Acorn Stairlifts. Also present were representatives from Calderdale College and Keighley College.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "We had a fantastic Artifaces balloon modelling and face painting stall, for the younger members of the community. We wanted to welcome all and give parents a chance to engage with stall holders while their younger ones were entertained.

"The event was a huge success and there was a real buzz around the fair, with parents asking lots of questions and young people looking for their next opportunity.

"It was important for us to hold the fair at Airedale Shopping Centre because it’s a local, open space that the community feels comfortable in.

"Keighley mayor Councillor Fulzar Ahmed was there, and he spoke to all the stallholders, asking questions about young people, industry growth and education."

Go Higher West Yorkshire's outreach bus will be in Hanover Street, Keighley, from noon to 4pm on July 24. People unsure of how to get into higher education are welcome to pay it a visit.