CHESS players of all abilities are invited to take part in an annual competition staged over three days of intense play.

The 32nd County Durham Open Chess Congress takes place at Houghton Sports Centre, in Station Road, Houghton-le-Spring, between Durham and Sunderland, from Friday to Sunday, April 15 - 17.

A British Championship qualifying event for the highest ranked Durham registered player, it is both an Northern County Chess Union and English Chess Federation grand prix event.

There will be cash prizes for winners in all three categories, open, major and minor.

Games will be played this Friday, from 6.30 - 10pm, and between 10am and 5.45pm on both the Saturday and Sunday, with presentations following the last session.

Refreshments are available on the premises and in the nearby town centre, with a list of nearby accommodation available from organisers for competitors travelling for far afield for the weekend.

Last year's event attracted an entry of almost 100, with players coming from Scotland and southern England to take part.

The deadline for entries is this Wednesday (April 13), with fees ranging from £19 to £29 in different categories.

Further details are available from congress secretary Fred Stobbart, by email to fred.stobbart1@gmail.com, or by ringing 0191-526 3159.