More than 150 people applied for an office co-ordinator job at an expanding alarms and security systems company.

Rosse Systems Ltd, of Taunton Street, Shipley, was inundated by hopeful job-seekers for the type of post that usually attracts about 20 applications.

They ranged from candidates from the local job centre and those on the Government’s New Deal programme, to graduates and included many people made redundant by other local firms including Hammonds Direct, Hallmark Cards, Safestyle UK and Havells Sylvania.

The successful candidate Amjid Hussain, 28, was made redundant by a Keighley building services firm in December. Since then Amjid, who lives in Keighley, had been doing voluntary work while seeking a new job.

Amjid, who is in his second week in his new job, said: “It’s fantastic to have found another job in the present climate and I’m very grateful to Rosse Systems for giving me the chance and to the staff who have made me welcome.

“Finding work in the present climate is not easy and I am pleased to have found something in a fairly short time. The competition for jobs is very keen and I’m delighted to have been chosen.”

Service manager Chun Yip said Amjid stood out from the other candidates because he not only had relevant skills and experience, but also a strong desire to be in employment.

Mr Yip said: “We advertised the same job in October last year and got around 20 applicants. This time, in two weeks alone we have had over 150 applicants.

“There are currently a lot of people being made redundant from local companies and also many in temporary or short-term contracts.

“The economic downturn seems to be affecting unemployment in a big way as companies are obviously monitoring and cutting costs more stringently.”

Rosse Systems has been in operation for more than 25 years and employs 16 staff. It specialises in fire alarms, emergency lights, access control, CCTV and call systems for customers ranging from electricians to multi-national companies, consultants, local councils and health authorities.

The company services local sites such as St George’s Hall, the Alhambra Theatre, Cartwright Hall, St James’ wholesale market, the Yorkshire Clinic, JCT600 garages, Harrogate Conference Centre and Shibden Hall near Halifax.

It also carries out inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems for all West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service premises.

Rosse Systems is recruiting new field engineers to work in East Yorkshire where it has won a three-year contract to look after more than 450 local authority sites.