HUNDREDS of students took part in the first big careers fair for sixth formers in west Dorset.

Hosted by the Beaminster and the Sir John Colfox Sixth Form, around 400 students from across the county met with dozens of employers, and gained information about different opportunities on offer.

Graham Farrow, director of options and careers at the Sir John Colfox School, said: "The primary purpose was to find out about the high-level job prospects that are out there for those unsure about taking the university route.

"It is part of our agenda of increasing participation to make sure students don't fall into a trap. We sometimes have students who maybe get stuck in the area and don't realise what opportunities are out there. We are hoping to create an awareness of the good opportunities that do exist in the local area.

"There aren't any big careers fairs held in west Dorset so we're trying to get companies to engage with us as well. A lot of events tend to focus on Poole and Bournemouth, so we're hoping a regular event will be held locally."

Employers including Palmers Brewery, the NHS and AmSafe were at the event at the Sir John Colfox School, highlighting a range of opportunities for youngsters including advanced apprenticeships and student training schemes.

Adam Polley, project engineer at AmSafe, said: "A lot of the students have said that they walk past us in Bridport all the time but never realised what we actually do.

"It's great to show them what opportunities we can offer and actually talk to the students about what they want to do."

The event involved pupils from Colfox and Beaminster - as well as students from Woodroffe School, Sturminster Newton High School and The Grange School in Christchurch.

West Dorset District Council helped organise the fair, to help tackle a lack of support for students.

Mark Taylor, economic regeneration officer at West Dorset District Council said: "I realised that the schools in west Dorset haven't actually had much support from the local authority in the last few years.

"It was brought up that there's a lack of provision for sixth form students who are leaving school about careers.

"We have got some really good companies in this part of Dorset. There are great opportunities for young people and it is just about getting that message across."

Richard Barnes, head of sixth form at Beaminster School, said: "We think it's really important in any area like west Dorset that our students have access to this wide range of employers and firms.

"We want to provide the best opportunities for those who are not 100 per cent on the university route - to help them make the best choices which are right for them."