UP TO 3,000 people are expected to attend the biggest media careers information day ever held on the south coast.

The high profile event on November 28 - being held at the Southampton Guildhall - will give youngsters unprecedented access to the shakers and movers involved in newspapers, TV, film, video, radio and the Web.

Tickets are already being snapped up as thousands of people, aged from 15 to their early twenties, express an interest in media related career opportunities.

The Southern Daily Echo, The Guardian, BBC South, Meridian, BBC Radio Solent and South City FM are among a number of leading news providers who have set aside traditional rivalries to team up for the benefit of youngsters keen to break into the media world.

Some of the leading news personalities available to chat with include Meridian TV news presenter Fred Dinenage and his BBC South counterpart Sally Taylor.

BBC Radio Solent presenter Sandi Jones, TV presenter Chris Packham, Radio Four presenter Chris Aldridge and Southern Daily Echo editor Ian Murray are also among dozens of "veteran" media men and women taking part in the event.

Along with information stands, manned by people with years of experience in the industry, there will be a chance for plenty of hands on action.

You can try commentating to edited TV sports action, have a go at presenting the weather news or edit a Web page.

There's even a TV makeup artist who will let you in on the tricks of the trade, and radio DJs James Lloyd (The Fire) and Rik Scott (Power FM) reveal all about spinning the tracks for the airwaves.

Higher and further education providers will also be manning stands, telling you what courses are on offer to give you the skills to make it in the media world.

One of the leading lights behind the Southern Media Careers Information Day, Roger Hammett, from the BBC, said: This is a rare opportunity to meet the shakers and movers in the media world and ask them all sorts of questions. It promises to be a great day for everyone."