2004 Octavia 1.6 FSi Ambiente ignition fault

Hi folks,

I have recently purchased a 2004 Skoda Octavia 1.6 FSi Ambiente. The car has only done 5000 miles and is like new but it has developed an intermittent ignition fault. Occasionally (and more often recently) when you insert and turn the ignition key the dashboard lights all illuminate but when you try to start the engine absolutely nothing happens. Sometimes if you wait a few seconds and try again it starts. Sometimes you can try dozens of times before it starts. On a few occasions it has taken half an hour before it has finally started. I have limited mechanical/technical knowledge but am thinking it may be something to do with the ignition interface or the key coding. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Hueligan