Character reference for a friend

Hi,
I have been asked by a friend to provide him with a character reference for a job he is applying for. I am very happy to do this for him, but I need a bit of help !
I'm not really sure how to set out and phrase the reference, and now long it should be or anything. I've checked out a few sample ones on the net but would appreciate anyone's input, if they've had to do one.

Could you also tell me would the reference be better if it was handwritten (I can make my writing quite neat) or should I type it out?

Thanks in advance.

Hi
I do not know what you should put in the reference, but you should definitely type it, and make sure to spell check it too. (and perhaps get someone else to read over it, in case of spell check errors e.g. their/there). It will look much more professional than a hand written one.

Nicola