The UK Daily Express reported that Britons believe doing crossword puzzles is the answer to beating the recession.

As many as 76%  reckon finding ways to occupy themselves is the key to getting through the credit crunch, a survey found.

And 86% of the 1000 people polled said they found traditional crossword puzzles more stimulating than modern ‘brain’ games.

The survey by the Chevrolet car company also showed that people in East Anglia are the most frequent crossword players – with 52% doing them on a weekly basis.

A Chevrolet spokesman said: “It comes as no surprise that people are turning to activities such as crosswords. We are all more aware of looking after the pennies”. He added: “A crossword provides cost-effective entertainment and brain stimulation”.

Daily Express, Friday March 13, 2009.