PEOPLE from one of Plymouth's worst unemployment blackspots are being offered the chance to get help to find work or upgrade their qualifications.

Agencies ranging from Surestart to the Prince's Trust will set out their stalls at a fun day with a serious purpose in Barne Barton this Saturday.

Visitors will be offered advice on starting up a business, the chance to sign up on training courses, or help to find full or part-time jobs.

The event on the rugby pitch opposite Riverside School on Poole Park Road starts at noon and is being organised by the local neighbourhood policing team.

"Barne Barton is a high-unemployment, low-income area, so this day is a real opportunity for people to try to get jobs," Police Community Support Officer Mark Sowdem said.

"We're great believers that if kids have something to go to, like Army Cadets, there is less risk of them getting involved in crime or antisocial behaviour."

The fun day will have a car boot sale, bouncy castle slides and other family entertainment.

Plymouth Argyle Football Club will be there with their inflatable speed goal challenge.

PCSO Sowdem is hoping for a couple of thousand visitors.

Among the agencies who will be offering help and advice are: Surestart, Achievement Training, Working Links, the National Apprenticeship Service, Prince's Trust, Jobcentre Plus and the Volunteer Centre.

Police will man a crime prevention stall, and the fire service will give safety advice.

Ed Atter, Devon operations manager for Working Links, said they would be targeting would-be entrepreneurs and people who might need additional skills to help them get back into work.

"Barne Barton is certainly one of the more deprived communities in Plymouth," he said. "There is a high proportion of people on benefits."

He said the big fear was that looming public sector cuts would soon start to bite.

He said visitors on Saturday could sign up on the spot, or people could visit the Working Links office in Cobourg House in Mayflower Street.