diff --git a/wcsaxes/offset.py b/wcsaxes/offset.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df09ded
--- /dev/null
+++ b/wcsaxes/offset.py
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+from astropy.wcs import WCS
+from astropy.wcs.utils import skycoord_to_pixel, proj_plane_pixel_scales
+
+
+def linear_offset_coords(wcs, center):
+    """
+    Returns a locally linear offset coordinate system.
+    
+    Given a 2-d celestial WCS object and a central coordinate, return a WCS
+    that describes an 'offset' coordinate system, assuming that the
+    coordinates are locally linear (that is, the grid lines of this offset
+    coordinate system are always aligned with the pixel coordinates, and
+    distortions from spherical projections and distortion terms are not taken
+    into account)
+    
+    Parameters
+    ----------
+    wcs : `~astropy.wcs.WCS`
+        The original WCS, which should be a 2-d celestial WCS
+    center : `~astropy.coordinates.SkyCoord`
+        The coordinates on which the offset coordinate system should be
+        centered.
+    """
+
+    # Convert center to pixel coordinates
+    xp, yp = skycoord_to_pixel(center, wcs)
+        
+    # Set up new WCS
+    new_wcs = WCS(naxis=2)
+    new_wcs.wcs.crpix = xp + 1, yp + 1
+    new_wcs.wcs.crval = 0., 0.
+    new_wcs.wcs.cdelt = proj_plane_pixel_scales(wcs)
+    new_wcs.wcs.ctype = 'XOFFSET', 'YOFFSET'
+    new_wcs.wcs.cunit = 'deg', 'deg'
+
+    return new_wcs
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