MORE than 900 players from grandmasters to enthusiastic amateurs and child prodigies are to travel to the North-East this week for the British chess championships.

The Smith and Williamson tournament will take place at the Spa Complex, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, over the next fortnight.

The main championship attracts players from far flung destinations such as India and Pakistan, as well as from all over the country.

There will also be competitions for junior age groups, as well as a seniors event.

A spokesman for the competition said: "Each commonwealth country can nominate their own champion, so we get people from all over."