HUNDREDS of pupils got top tips on how to get a foot on the employment ladder at a school careers fair.

Clacton Coastal Academy staged the event after funding for the annual Tendring-wide careers fair was cut.

All 1,600 pupils got the chance to attend the fair and talk to local and national employers about their job prospects.

Academyprincipal Tracey Hemming said: “An event like this, which inspires students to think carefully about their future and what they need to secure academically to achieve their goals, is vital.

“When it was clear that the funding for the Tendring event had been cut, we went straight ahead with organising our own version, which we have also opened up to Tendring Enterprise Studio School students.”

Businesses at the event included the Chelsea FC Foundation, BNY Mellon Global Investments, the RAF, Essex County Cricket, Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors, Ministry of Justice and Barclays Bank.

Colleges and universities also showcased the courses they offer.