THE first careers fair to help miners made redundant by the Selby coalfield closure was taking place today.

The event at the Regen Centre, in Riccall, which started yesterday, was being attended by more than 50 companies, trade associations, training providers and advice agencies.

The two-day event was part-funded by the European Union and North Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council.

The centre's training manager, Paul Steele, said: "It went very well and the response has been positive from what we have seen.

"The comment I have heard the most is that people are surprised about the opportunities that are there."

Stillingfleet Mine electrician Mark Seabrooke, 47, said he had found the careers' fair very helpful.

He said his job-seeking portfolio now stretched from the NHS and York College to the rail industry and Hazlewoods Foods factory at Barlby.

Mr Seabrooke said: "A lot of the lads are seeking information, even though they don't yet know the dates they will finish at the pits.

"I'm a qualified electrician and I think I've got a good chance of finding a new job."

Updated: 12:40 Saturday, March 08, 2003