The Times, famed for its crossword, says that the hidden message it contained on Tuesday makes it 'one of the most unusual editions in its 85-year history'. Mr Dick, a 38-year old specialist in brands-related law and litigation, planned the cryptic proposal with Richard Rogan, editor of the crossword. The clue whose answer is Delyth was 'Pretty Welsh girl widely thought not to be all there'. One difficulty involving the very precise traditions of these crosswords is explained by Mr Dick in an interview in The Times: 'There are certain rules you can’t break or bend and the phrase ‘will you marry me’ couldn’t be an answer, but Richard said it could be in the clues.' 

Fun coincidence

Mr Dick and his girlfriend were on holiday this week in Cornwall to celebrate her birthday on Tuesday. He went out early to buy the newspaper so that he could start the crossword at breakfast. At first, she thought that the answers 'birthday' and 'wishes' were a 'fun coincidence'. Mr Dick expained what happened when the other words appeared and he brought out a ring: 'She looked so surprised and didn’t say anything for about 30 seconds, before then saying ‘No’, which she thought was hilarious. But she did then say ‘Yes’ and I had to tell her this was the real Times crossword, not something I had printed out myself.' Sources: The Times, BBC and D Young