Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ginger into a mixing bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.. Beat the syrup into the egg, then stir into flour mixture. Mix together to make a smooth dough.

Knead the dough until smooth, then divide in half. Roll out, half at a time, on a floured surface until about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.

Using a gingerbread man cutter, cut out gingerbread men until all of the dough has been used, re-rolling and cutting the trimmings. Repeat with the second half of dough. Place the gingerbread men on greased baking sheets and decorate them with currants, to represent eyes and buttons.

Bake at 190°C (375°F) mark 5 for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Leave on the baking sheets to cool slightly, then transfer carefully to wire racks and leave to cool completely. Store the gingerbread men in an airtight container.