AN event celebrating the centenary of the crossword will take place in Oxford next month.

Crossword setter John Halpern is touring the country and writing a book about the story of the puzzles, the first of which was published on December 21, 1913. He is at The Cape of Good Hope pub, at The Plain, East Oxford, on Wednesday, February 6, from 7pm to 9pm.

An Oxford themed crossword is being drafted, created by people in the city for people in the city.

Visitors to the event will be able to take on the crossword, which features straight and cryptic clues. If you are interested in taking part, contact Kim Osmond on 01865 451176 or email kimosmond@rocketmail.com