MORE than 2,300 youngsters from 15 secondary schools are expected to attend a two-day careers fair which starts on Thursday, February 28, at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

Bill Alder, chief executive of the Maidstone and Mid-Kent Chamber of Commerce, which has helped to organise Careers Fair 2002, said: "There will be information on a huge range of careers on offer. Representatives of a large number of professions will be on hand to offer advice and help students make an informed decision about the right career path for them."

The fair is closed to the general public with the exception of an advice session for school leavers, sixth formers and parents between 4pm and 7pm on the Thursday.

Among the 45 exhibitors will be representatives of the Armed Forces, law firms, banks and the Kent Messenger Group.

The fair will be officially opened by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Councillor Paulina Stockell, and Maidstone Borough Council's cabinet member for economic development and tourism, Cllr Dan Daley (Lib Dem).