Hundreds of jobseekers shook off the rain to check out the career opportunities at the Oxford Job Fair.

Despite the weather, the stands at the event organised by the Oxford Mail and Champion Recruitment were very busy from the moment the doors opened at Oxford Town Hall.

And there were people from across the age spectrum and of all different backgrounds calling in at the 27 stands to see the wide range of jobs and career advice on offer.

Patty Talbot, 53, from Kennington, was looking for part-time work to boost her income from her needlework business.

She said: "I was a self-employed nanny for more than 20 years before I started my own company, so I am perhaps going to look at working as a carer."

Marion Beard from Didcot was looking to find a job, with her second child starting school recently.

Having been a personal assistant at the Harwell science site, she was looking for something similar or perhaps work in childcare.

She said: "I have been bringing up my family for the past few years and am looking to get back into work as I have more time now.

"Ideally I would like something in the Didcot area that is part-time and will fit around the children being at school."

A total of 27 stands were at the event ranging from the Army to the Prison Service to Oxford-based Internet domain name registration service, Nominet.

Nick Harris has just moved to Woodstock from Essex and was helping 16-year-old son Tom find his first job.

Tom said: "I've just finished my GCSEs and am looking to work outside and build up some qualifications. Ultimately my aim is to move to New Zealand to work."

All the stands reported brisk business throughout the day with many people registering their details with recruitment companies and potential new employers.

Career advice firm Nextstep guidance adviser Louise Hodge said: "We have been very busy. It is a good event as it highlights the services we have to offer."

Oxford Mail recruitment sales executive Sarah Davies said: "We have attracted all sorts of people from school leavers to people looking for management jobs. It has been a great success."