For most people doing a tough crossword involves scratching their head and asking a lot of questions until they find the answer.

But there's one group in Alsager for whom crosswords have become something of a hobby - especially when they are The Times' cryptic crosswords.

And it's all thanks to two former teachers who took their love of words and unravelling answers to the next level and started a crossword group.

Now the group meets every Tuesday at Bod Alsager for an hour when they work through two or so crosswords completing them.

Former Alsager School geography teacher, Joyce Halsall set up the Cryptic Crossword Group with Alison Mellor, a former primary teacher.

"I did a night school class at Sandbach School about cryptic crosswords and thought why not start a group? It's a fun thing to do and we have plenty of laughs doing it," said the retired teacher.

The group uses The Times Cryptic Crosswords book, searching for hidden words and meanings, and has set up a Whatsapp group called "Rogues Gallery" with all its members in.

"The main thing is that we're having lots of fun and enjoying ourselves," added Joyce. "All our brains work differently so we help each other. It's very satisfying when we've finished a crossword."

Davie Stewart is another member along with his wife and both thoroughly enjoy it.

"If we can't do on bit we leave it blank and then go back to it. We usually get the answer in the end," he said.

Anyone who would like to join the group should go along to Bod Alsager in Crewe Road at 2 pm on Tuesdays. The group takes place from 2 pm until 3 pm every Tuesday.

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