TROWBRIDGE employers were helping promote job opportunities and routes to different careers for people with a disability at County Hall on Tuesday.

Wiltshire Council's first ever EmployAbility Fair drew in more than 100 people, who got to speak to employers and service providers at nearly 30 different stalls, all offering advice and support.

The fair, from 10am-2pm, offered free CV health check drop-in sessions and a British Sign Language interpreter was also available throughout the event.

John Flynn, head of contact management at Wiltshire Police, said: "We are here to invite people to join our ranks but also to dispel the myth that if you join the force, you have to be a police officer. More than 200 people are in the control room doing vital work, all contributing to improving our operations. There have been some great, positive responses and it has certainly been a very worthwhile event.

"These are a good way of getting people on board and hopefully that can happen in the not too distant future."

Allison Bucknell, chairman of Wiltshire Council said: “Although huge strides have been made in the workplace there is still more we can do. This was an excellent opportunity to share experiences and find out more about the opportunities available to ensure we harness the talents people with a disability can bring to the workplace.”

Wiltshire Council takes part in the government’s Disability Confident scheme, which encourages employers to recruit and retain more disabled people.

Derek Gard from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust which had one of the stalls said: "The buzz in this place is fantastic. I’ve been speaking to people about all sorts of work opportunities and answering all sorts of questions. It’s been very busy."