Bradford's leading employers are backing a fair aimed at encouraging more people into joining the district's hi-tech boom.

Bradford-based electronic components producer Filtronic is among the firms taking part in a major recruitment drive on Monday.

Organisers the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) West Yorkshire and Bradford Council's Employment Link Team are hoping to attract hundreds of people to the event.

Bradford-based centre of excellence Electronics Yorkshire estimates the district already has around 200 firms in the 'hi-tech' or 'new media' field.

Councillor Simon Cooke, the Council's Executive Member for the Economy, said: "We are delighted to join forces with the University, Electronics Yorkshire and the LSC in promoting the opportunities that exist in the local electronics field. This free event is a great way of bringing young people, employers and trainers together.''

Dozens of jobs, covering everything from product assembly line work through to web design, will be on offer at Monday's event, which will also be attended by the Employment Service.

Sixth form students from 150 schools have been invited, with Calrec Audio and Eldon Technology among the other companies looking for 'bright sparks' of the future.

Director of development with LSC, David Hodges, said: "Many local companies are industry leaders in the hi-tech sector and it's true wherever you work you need different skills today than you did ten or 20 years ago.

"It's important that individuals develop relevant skills for whatever areas they want to work in, be that hi-tech, construction or services, all of which continue to be important to the West Yorkshire economy."

The fair is in the Small Hall of the University of Bradford, which will be promoting new technology courses at the event.