My father and I were very good mates (sister was born six years later!) and he used to sit me down with the crossword and explain the cryptic clues and the solutions to me, and prompt me to get the answers. I cottoned on quite fast and the two of us would crack on at the crossword together in the evening (once my homework was done!)

It helps to have someone explain cryptic crosswords, as there are certain 'rules' and established ways of looking at each clue. I used to adore any that involved anagrams.