HUNDREDS of hopefuls attended a recruitment drive by aerospace giant BAE Systems following the creation of 1,000 jobs.

BAE Systems is currently touring the north west with a recruitment roadshow in a bid to fill the vacancies created as a result of its expansion plans.

The roadshow stopped off at Burnley FC's Turf Moor, and Black-burn Rovers' Ewood Park, this week.

And by the end of the events, hundreds of CVs had been handed in.

The bulk of the new jobs will be at the Samlesbury and Warton sites.

BAE Systems employees Mike Crompton and Mike Reed co-ordinated the recruitment drive.

Mr Crompton, head of engineering resource solutions, said: "This week's roadshows have been really successful. We have had an excellent response.

"We have received applications from a wide variety of people.

"BAE Systems offers a career for people with the relevant experience."

Mr Reed, engineering recruitment manager for military air solutions, said: "BAE Systems needs more people because we have got loads of work on and we have to get through it. And there are no other manufacturing organisations that can say they have 30 years of sustained growth."

The new jobs will be in project management, engineering, and the supply chain for the military aircraft solutions side of the business, which has 14,000 employees in the north west.

Nicola Dibsdale, 26, of Glenshield Avenue, Hoddlesden, was one of the job hunters who attended.

She said: "I have just finished my Phd in chemistry and thought it was about time I got a job. BAE Systems is a great company.

"The roadshow is very organised and gives an idea of the different roles out there."

Joel Robertson, 18, of Clifton Terrace, Hoddlesden, said: "There are a lot of jobs here that interest me, including design engineering.

"There are quite a few people here, but I hope I have a good chance."

Martyn Fish, 20, from Tyldesley, said: "I have always been interested in aircraft.

"I have completed an HND and would like to use my skills to become an aircraft technician."

Sean Cornforth, 20, from Bolton, said: "You don't get the feel for the company, or the people, when you fill in an application form.

"The roadshow is a good idea.

"It is nice to speak to a person and get advice whilst understanding the company."