CHILDREN from across Teesside have taken part in the 20th Yarm Chess Tournament.

The event was held at Yarm Preparatory School and more than 100 children in 24 teams took part in five rounds in both the under-9 and under-11 categories.

Yarm School won both the under-9 and under-11 categories with children from Whale Hill School in Eston coming second in the under-9 category and Errington School, from Marske, coming second in the under-11s.

Other competing schools included Ings Farm, Redcar, Brambles, Middlesbrough, Throston, Hartlepool, Whale Hill, Eston, Westgarth, Marske and John Emmerson Batty. The tournament was organised by Sean Marsh from Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC.)

Bill Sawyer, Headmaster of Yarm Preparatory School, said: “Everyone improved their game and gained valuable experience while also having a lot of fun. We were, as ever, delighted to host.

“Extra-curricular activities are important to any student, and as a school we value them very highly.”

Sean Marsh from Chess in Schools and Communities said: “It was great to see so many players from so many different schools enjoying playing chess, making new friends and enjoying the experience, whether they became champions or not.”

As part of the 20th tournament celebrations, Sean Marsh signed copies of his recently launched book, The Batsford Book of Chess from Beginner to Winner.