Preheat oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4

In a saucepan, gently heat butter, sugar and golden syrup. Stir until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Set aside and leave to cool.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, mixed spices and ground ginger. Mix together.

Pour the beaten egg into the cooled butter, syrup and sugar mixture from step 1 and mix together.

Add the wet mix to the flour, and combine until a dough is formed. You will need to use your hands. If the mixture is too sticky add some more flour. If the mixture is too crumbly add some more butter or a little milk.

Sprinkle some flour on a kitchen worktop and roll the gingerbread dough out to a thickness of about 5mm (1/4 inch).

Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men and transfer them to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Try to keep some space between the gingerbread men to allow them space to spread as they cook.

Cook for approx 10 minutes in the preheated oven. When they are a golden brown colour and slightly hard to the touch they are ready.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool and then decorate with toppings of your choice.