CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has thrown his support behind the upcoming 'Okehampton Works' event.

The initiative co-ordinated by Devon County Council will be a week of seminars and events designed as part of the ongoing support to stimulate economic recovery and regeneration in the town.

Mr Stride said: 'I welcome the launch of Okehampton Works which will showcase jobs, skills training and the advice and support that is available to both businesses and individuals locally.

'Learning new skills can open the door to new opportunities and I urge anyone who is seeking work or looking to upgrade their skills to attend this important event.

'It is often assumed that in today's economic climate it is only areas with high levels of public sector employment, or our inner cities, or our industrial heartlands that are vulnerable to tougher economic times — but rural areas are not immune.

'Okehampton is a case in point where the closure of important local businesses has hit our town hard and resulted in many redundancies.

'Despite the challenges that this has presented, the people of Okehampton and neighbouring areas have pulled together to address these difficulties with a wide variety of local organisations, public, private and voluntary, working together to help. The results are already showing with many new jobs following on from those that have been lost.

'Okehampton is an extraordinary and resilient town with a great community spirit, and I know that by continuing to pull together we will see more new jobs created, and the vibrancy of our community maintained and enhanced. I wish Okehampton Works every success.'

Taking place from Monday September 5 to Friday September 9, a variety of events will be held for both individuals seeking work or new opportunities and businesses.

As part of the schedule, Job Centre Plus will host a Jobs Fair at the Ockment Centre from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday September 6, with employers to include Lyndridge Care Alternative Recruitment, Devonshire Desserts, and the White Hart Hotel.

A Skills Fair will take place at the centre from 10am to 1pm on Friday September 9, with providers including South West Careers, Westward Pathfinder Trust, Okehampton College and Okehampton Community and Voluntary Services.

Events for employers will including sessions on social marketing, marketing plans and web design, and specialist sessions on opportunities for smaller businesses.