British Gas Recruitment starts its new employees on a journey through a virtual village which can be explored online with their own avatar.

The British Gas Journey site, created by Ethos Creative, sends new recruits access details for the site shortly after they accept an offer of employment.

They log on and are greeting by a personalised welcome message. Then they are invited to customise their avatar, which guides them through the British Gas village – telling them about the company and their new job.

The site aims to create a relationship with new starters before their first day, encouraging them to feel excited and enthusiastic about working with the company.

Head of HR Sally Newton says: “I’m thrilled that we have taken the next step in our recruitment journey for new employees. The site is warm, friendly, interactive and contains all our benefits in one place.”