EMPLOYERS looking to fill vacancies in Exeter are being inundated with applications from job seekers, an Echo investigation has found.

More than 200 applicants went for a full-time lettings administrator position with Cardens estate agents.

And more than 100 hopefuls have applied for five full-time and a number of part-time sales assistant jobs at Fat Face in Princesshay.

A similar number applied for one administrative job with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Exeter.

Agency owner Jon Carden said the response to his recent job advert in the Echo was extraordinary. "We were just getting inundated," he said.

"Some of them are in work at the moment and some have been made redundant. In days gone by, we would have been pleased to get 40 applications. We are spoilt for choice."

Fat Face manager Simon Rothery said many applicants had worked in shops now closed.

He said: "At the last count, we had approximately 120 applications for the five permanent positions and for part-time contracts.

"It is a huge number and certainly the most I have ever known for jobs. It is pleasing that so many people want to work for us."

Mr Rothery said that a number of applicants had previously worked at former Princesshay stores, such as Zavvi and USC, which had closed recently.

Peter Exley, Exeter-based public affairs manager for the RSPB in the South West, said: "We had a higher than expected number of applicants for the job of wildlife inquiries staff member, which is part of our administrative team.

"It is good for us that we have such a choice but I am not sure what it says about the jobs market."

Other employers which have recently advertised vacancies in the Echo have also reported a higher than usual number of applications.

Hospiscare received 70 inquiries about a part-time HR assistant post, resulting in 30 applications.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "This was an excellent response, and slightly above average."

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service had 33 applications for the post of democratic services assistant.

A spokesman for EDF Energy, which has recently been recruiting for a variety of positions, said: "We are always looking for quality people to work at our operations in Exeter and our current advertising is part of that.

"We are seeing more applications for posts and remain very impressed with the quality of people who contact us."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "We have experienced an increase in the number of application packs sent out, and the number of inquiries and visits to the jobs pages of our website."

John Harvey, Exeter's city centre manager, said: "I'm delighted to see Fat Face and other city centre retailers recruiting for a number of positions.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, it is an indication of success in a challenging situation."

Derek Phillips, chairman of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said it would be wrong to draw too much from the number of applications. He said: "Fat Face is an iconic store and a great many people would like to work for it, not necessarily just those who are unemployed now.

"The same goes in a way for the RSPB, in that it would appeal to a great many people.

"There may have been redundancies but there are still jobs available in Exeter and one thing you can say is that it is good to see people want to work in this city."