One of England's brightest young chess hopes, Suffolk-based Alan Merry, has entered this weekend's Great Yarmouth Chess Congress.

The 21-year-old international master, who has already notched his first grandmaster norm on the way to the title, will be top seed in the open tournament at the event which takes place in Great Yarmouth Town Hall over April 22 and 23.

Organiser John Wickham hopes as many as 100 players – matching last year's record entry - will take part in four sections, from novices to experts.

Chess players from across the country have been entering the annual congress, attracted by an enhanced prize fund of more than £2,000 made possible by new headline sponsor, Kingsley Healthcare.

Mr Wickham said: 'We would like to thank our new headline sponsor, Kingsley Healthcare, for making the increased prize fund possible.

'We are also grateful to our other loyal sponsors, including the Town Centre Partnership and the borough council.'

Barry Coleman, chairman of the borough council's economic development committee, said: 'It is great that our fabulous Town Hall is again the setting for this popular chess tournament. The tournament itself brings people into the borough from across the area, some staying in local hotels, and we look forward to again welcoming scores of players and their families this year.'

Daya Thayan, CEO of Lowestoft based Kingsley Healthcare, said: 'As a company, we take great pride in supporting successful events and worthy causes in our local communities.'

Anyone still wanting to enter the tournament can contact Mr Wickham on 07808 876785, email j.r.wickham@btinternet.com or download an entry form by visiting http://norfolkchess.org/