A RECORD entry of 80 of the best young chess talents in the UK compete later this month for the biggest prize in British chess.

Ampleforth Junior Masters - now in its third year - will be held at Ampleforth College, a Catholic independent school in North Yorkshire, from Thursday, October 24.

It offers a first prize worth more than £19,000, including a two-year scholarship to attend the school's mixed sixth form as a boarder.

The winner will also qualify for next year's British Chess Championships, where a further £2,000 prize money is at stake.

A total of a six rounds will be played at Ampleforth between 67 boys and 13 girls. If two or more players tie for first place, a "blitz play-off" will take place for the Ampleforth trophy.

Director of Junior Chess at the British Chess Federation, Peter Turner, said: "The Ampleforth Junior Masters has rapidly become the major championship for British juniors. It brings together the very best young players.''

Headmaster Father Leo Chamberlain said: "To meet the young contestants and to see their concentration and fascination with the game is a special experience for all who are present."