For the challenge, GCHQ posted a code at www.canyoucrackit.co.uk and invited British citizens to solve it. The code consisted of 160 letters and numbers arranged in a rectangular display.

The loading of hazardous cargoes is not permitted.

But there was sophistication and beauty in the way that traditional African dance motifs, like the fierce, stamping Zulu indlamu sequences, were woven together with more sinuous abstract movements.

The scrabbly style of running so remarked upon by the press was partly a result of Casey's efforts not to let that happen.