Shropshire crossword compiler's 80th birthday celebrated in print

Shropshire's world record crossword compiler Roger Squires has been given an unusual 80th birthday tribute – with crosswords in three major national newspapers on his big day having clues all themed on his life and times.

And some of them have proven so cryptic that Roger himself has been scratching his head. "I'm bemused, but very honoured," said Roger, who was 80 yesterday.

His life and work was celebrated at an eve-of-birthday bash at the Guardian at which editor Alan Rusbridger outlined his achievements to a full room of Guardian journalists and invited crossword compilers. He then presented Mr Squires, from Ironbridge, with several framed accolades to his life.

Mr Squires was accompanied by his wife Anna, his son Michael and stepdaughter Tamsin. Mrs Squires was delighted to discover that one of her husband's most fervent admirers is Polly Toynbee – her favourite writer.

The Guardian and FT main cryptic crosswords and the Telegraph 'toughie' crossword were all themed to cover Mr Squires's life on his birthday.

He holds several Guinness Records, including the World's Most Prolific Crossword Compiler with more than 72,000 puzzles published in more than 519 publications in more than 32 countries.

He passed his one millionth clue in 1989 – no other setter is near that number – and his second millionth clue in 2007.