Dunkan the gingerbread man has been launched to help people looking for careers in food and drink manufacturing get information on jobs and training.

The animated character appears on the website of the food and drink sector skills council Improve - [http://www.improveltd.co.uk] - and will answer questions about job opportunities and qualifications.

"We wanted to make finding out about careers and training more interactive," said Sue Fairest, Improve’s skills development manager. "You can ask Dunkan very specific questions or, if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, Dunkan will ask you a series of yes or no questions before suggesting areas that might suit you best."

The concept is targeted at everyone from school-leavers to adults.