An average of more than one in three workers in Brighton and Hove lies, embellishes and jazzes up his or her jobs rather than admit the truth.

Research by Learndirect showed almost 90 per cent of people would learn new skills to help achieve their fantasy career.

Some 60 per cent admitted embroidering their careers to make their job appear more interesting.

Potential bosses were the favourite victims of lies, as 20 per cent confessed to embellishing the truth during interviews.

Old friends (41 per cent), complete strangers (39 per cent) and members of the opposite sex (12 per cent) came next.

Fictional careers included dolphin training, spying and grave digging.

Women voted firefighting and being a doctor as the most attractive profession for a man, while men went for air hostessing and nursing.

Gareth Dent, head of the Learndirect advice line, said: "It is disappointing so many feel the need to lie about their jobs but it is also encouraging that people are prepared to take action and retrain to accomplish their fantasy careers."

"We want people to put a stop to the lies, skill up and turn dreams into reality."

Learndirect offers free, independent and impartial careers advice on 0800 100900 and through its web site at www.learndirect-advice.co.uk