GCHQ sends out brainteaser Christmas card – can you solve the festive puzzles?
GCHQ has revealed this year's official Christmas card from its director Sir Jeremy Fleming – containing a brainteaser aimed at aspiring young spies.
Getting a manicure? Wear gloves or sunscreen, GP warns, after study reveals UV lamp risks
'Google it' no more? How AI could change the way we search the web
Asteroid the size of an elephant passes Earth in one of closest encounters ever
The card contains seven "fiendish" puzzles specifically designed for secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18 to solve, but everyone is being encouraged to take on the challenge.
Sir Jeremy's Christmas card, which includes a festive brainteaser every year, is traditionally sent to national security staff and partners across the world who work alongside the intelligence and security organisation every day to combat organised crime gangs, terror groups and hostile states attempting to do harm to the UK.
But this year, the puzzles have been created for youngsters to tackle over the holidays.
This year's card sets a not-so-secret mission through a set of puzzles that increase in difficulty as you move through the challenge.
In a statement, Sir Jeremy said that "problem-solving skills and teamwork are absolutely crucial" in keeping the country safe.
He added: "That's why this year's Christmas puzzles are aimed at young people. I am keen to encourage STEM skills, thinking differently, and help foster the next generation of talent.
Tony's Chocolonely: Dutch firm apologises for deliberately leaving advent calendar window empty
Christmas Day weather: UK forecast for 25 December – it's bad news for those hoping for snow
LadBaby teams up with Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John in bid to secure fourth Christmas number one in a row
"I want to show young people that thinking differently is a gift, and it is only with a mix of minds that they can solve seemingly impossible problems, just like we do at GCHQ."
Sir Jeremy also recorded a special good luck message for schools.
In recent years, GCHQ has partnered with the organisation Stemettes on several activities to support greater take up of STEM subjects – Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – particularly among young girls.
Supporting this year's Christmas card challenge, the chief executive of Stemettes, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, said: "No matter your age, STEM skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving are important skills to have.
"In my work across the Stemettes with partners like GCHQ, we want all kinds of people to have the chance to explore these skills, and for those that enjoy this type of challenge to get an opportunity to further themselves in these areas."
She added: "GCHQ's Christmas Challenge is a fun festive way to do this, and I'd encourage schools and those who work with children to explore this type of activity as another way to engage the next generation in some light-hearted STEM fun."
Download GCHQ's Christmas card here.
Tags: SkynewsTechnology
If your idea of pampering involves a trip to the nail salon, a doctor has a warning for you - protect your hands or risk damaging your skin...
It's hard to imagine the internet without Google.
An asteroid the size of an elephant has passed by Earth in one of the closest encounters ever recorded.
Asteroid to zoom by Earth in very close miss – here's how you can watch it
An asteroid is due to come very close to Earth this week, passing just a few thousand kilometres above the planet's surface.
Former GCHQ director accused of revealing spy work in Jihadi John documentary
I Feel Like Fighting Today, So Let's Decide If These 40 Celebrities Are Cool Or Not
Lucky Block Launches On PancakeSwap As Buying Interest Soars
19 Facts About Drew Barrymore That I Think You Should Personally Be Aware Of