A BOOK that tells the tale of Jason and the Argonauts is being offered free to children across the county.

Oxford University's classics outreach department has 45 copies of Jason! by Leonard Colston West to give away as part of a competition to promote classics among the younger generation.

The book, suitable for children aged eight to 12 years, recounts Jason's epic quest for the Golden Fleece, a story that is more than 3,000 years old.

Classics outreach officer Elizabeth Belcher said it was perfect for children.

She said: "Jason and the Argonauts has been rewritten especially for children.

"The story is divided into 61 short chapters, ideal for bedtime reading to and by children aged eight and above.

"It's one of the greatest adventures of all time."

In the book, based on a Greek legend, Jason and his friends leave behind their families and sail to the edge of the known world.

Their journey takes them to the Black Sea, as they try to bring back the Golden Fleece.

On the way Jason falls in love with a witch who helps him fight fire-breathing bulls. Parents familiar with the 1963 film might enjoy reading the episode when Jason sows dragon's teeth in the ground.

Ms Belcher said the classics department was committed to bringing the subject to a wider audience.

She said: "It is quite a wide ranging programme. We go out to schools, we do drama workshops, coin handling and vase handling.

"We also provide basic support for teachers."

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Jason!, answer the following question:

Q. In Greek mythology, what was the name of the ship in which Jason and his friends sailed?

The first 45 people to send in the correct answer will receive a free copy of Jason!, courtesy of the author Leonard Colston West and the Classics Outreach Programme at Oxford University.

Answers, along with your name and address, to: Elizabeth Belcher, Classics Outreach Officer, Classics Faculty, 66 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LU or email elizabeth.belcher@classics.ox.ac.uk