The lengthy queue of men and women of all ages snaked around Brierley Hill's Copthorne Hotel where Aldi staged a jobs fair yesterday.

Job hunters started arriving more than an hour before the event was due to begin at 1pm – forcing officials to start 20 minutes early to avoid disruption on nearby roads and pavements.

They had each turned out to get one of 40 positions available, which are split between branches in Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Brierley Hill, Netherton, Wollaston, Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

Job seekers were given a mini-interview with management teams from branches of the supermarket giant before handing in their CVs and contact details. Those who have landed a job with the chain will be told by bosses in a couple of weeks.

Job hunter Sharon Homer, 47, of Cradley Heath, said she was 'very surprised' at the turn-out. She has been looking for work for two months and was previously employed as a care support worker. "It is very difficult to find work at the moment," she said.

Area manager for the supermarket Leon Donald said: "A previous event similar to this attracted around 1,500 people so we knew this event would be well attended."

Positions are available for stock and store assistants with people being offered a minimum of 20 hours.