Think of yourself as the next Daniel Craig? Inspired by James Bond's crime-fighting efforts in Sam Mendes' Skyfall? Well then it's probably time to ditch the day job and apply for the role of "target elimination specialist," recently advertised on the Direct.gov.uk website.

Ok, so it appears to have been the work of pranksters, rather than, say, the Secret Intelligence Service, but it probably fooled thousands. The advert stated that the country's top spy bosses were seeking someone prepared to "remove people whose continued existence poses a risk to the effective conduct of public order." Suppose that's better than pressing buttons, huh? According to The Register, the advert - which has seen been removed - told prospective applications they needed to be "resourceful in finding ways to accomplish their missions and, in some cases, to leave foreign countries by non-conventional means." The successful applicant would be paid a salary of £50,000 to £60,000 though would have the benefits of special watches, a company submarine and a Walther PPK - Bond's famous firearm. There was no mention of a pension plan or a lunchtime break, which is slightly disappointing. 

Unfortunately for any would-be James Bonds, the listing was confirmed as being purely fictitious, with a spokeswoman for SIS/MI6 saying it was a fake.