Nehpets Yrf takes on backwards spellers

STEPHEN Fry is challenging the world to take on his masterful mind in a reverse spelling competition.

The QI host is competing in a global digital spelling contest to raise funds for learning disability charity Mencap.

Fry said of his involvement with www.spellathon.net: “I’m greatly looking forward to competing against the world in this extremely tricky challenge.

“This is just about the best integration of imagination, education, technology inclusiveness and fun that I’ve ever encountered.”

Spellathon.net is said to be the biggest sponsored English spelling event. To qualify, participants must spell 50 words backwards using games on the website, and raise £15 in sponsorship. Those who qualify will then have 15 minutes to record the longest run of words with their letters in reverse order.

Fry will take part in the global championships in March, with three live rounds against primary school pupils, secondary school pupils and then adults.