GCHQ reveals this year’s Christmas card which comes with a twist

GCHQ has revealed its latest official Christmas card from Director, Sir Jeremy Fleming.

Each year the card contains a festive brainteaser, and this year time it comes with a twist as the seven fiendish puzzles have been specially designed for 11 to 18-year-olds.

However, the UK's intelligence organisation, which is headquartered in Cheltenham, isn't being ageist, its encouraging everyone to test their skills and see if they can complete the challenge.

The Director’s Christmas card is traditionally sent to National Security colleagues and partners across the world who help counter organised crime gangs, terror groups and hostile states looking to do the UK harm.

This year the card sets a not-so-secret mission through a set of puzzles which increase in difficulty as participants move through the challenge.

Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming, said: "From Enigma to modern day encryption, GCHQ's history is full of talented people tackling the country’s most complex challenges. If we’re to help keep the country safe, problem-solving skills and teamwork are absolutely crucial.

"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.

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.”

To support greater take up of STEM subjects, particularly among young girls, GCHQ has partnered with the organisation Stemettes on several activities over the last few years.

Supporting this year’s Christmas card challenge, CEO 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.

"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.