LEXICOGRAPHERS should head down to London Colney today (Friday) for the ultimate word competition.

To mark St David's Day, the Colney Fox pub is hosting a challenge for guests to come up with as many words of four letters or more from the name of a small Welsh village. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is reputedly the longest name in Great Britain and means: St Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool of Llandysilio of the red cave.

Landlord Steve Jordan is offering the prize of a Welsh love spoon to stir up great things for the winner.

He said: "I've bought in extra packets of chalk so we can mark it up on the chalk boards but I'm tempted to stand a glass of wine to anyone who can spell or pronounce it from memory without tripping over their teeth.

"It's just a bit of fun we will be having in the pub so if you want to take part, you will have to be there on the day."

The tradition of the Celtic love spoon dates back to the 16th Century when legend has it a young Welshman carved one as a symbol and offer of betrothal.

Mr Jordan added: "We use spoons as table markers too, so I'll be counting them closely if I hear of any engagements taking place.

"Some people might have missed out on Valentine's Day and might be using the St David's celebrations as a second chance."

The contest at the pub in Barnet Road will run until next Friday.