More than 150 Christmas vacancies at Dudley’s Merry Hill Shopping Centre will be up for grabs with thousands expected to apply for the positions at an annual jobs fair.

Large stores and eateries at the complex, in Brierley Hill, have temporary positions available during the run-up to the festive period in both full and part-time posts.

Officials at Merry Hill said many stores had now confirmed the numbers they were looking to take on – but stressed more positions could become available.

Job seekers will be able to apply for the posts at an annual jobs fair organised by centre bosses which is regularly attended by thousands of people.

A date for the event has still to be announced as organisers have yet to confirm a venue for the fair to take place this year.

It was originally planned for the fair to take place in a vacant unit at the shopping centre but this fell through.

An alternative site has been suggested and organisers are now waiting on a final agreement before confirming final plans for the event.

Temporary vacancies will be available at stores including Debenhams, the Early Learning Centre, Jeff Bains shoes and Toys R Us. Positions are also available at food outlets in the shopping centre such as McDonald’s.

Debenhams has 62 posts available and at Toys R Us there are 30 positions which need to be filled.