Staff and pupils from Broadand High School at Hoveton and Broadland Chess Club members recently met for an evening of chess.

Nathan Rush and David Moore have re-established a thriving chess club at the school. The students played well against older and more experienced players - especially Lewis Smart from Ludham and Finnian Wheeler from Hickling (with scores of 3 out of 3 and 2 out of 3 respectively).

It is hoped that in time, more Broadland High students will progress into the Broadland Chess Club teams.

Maths teacher Mr Rush said: 'I am incredibly proud of all the pupils for taking part, particularly Lewis and Finnian who performed very well on the night.

'As a school we feel it is vital to have these sorts of links with the local community and tonight has been a real success. I hope it encourages more publicity for both chess clubs and ultimately attracts more young players to take up chess.'

Jonathan Reeve, a Broadland Chess Club member who helps run after school chess clubs in the area, added: 'The schools recognise the educational benefits of children learning and playing chess. The children enjoy their games and we are pleased to see more youngsters taking up chess and joining clubs.'

On Saturday February 9 Broadland Chess Club is running a Junior Chess Congress at Aylsham High School. The event is aimed at attracting more junior players from the Aylsham, Broadland, Sheringham and North Walsham clusters of schools.

There is an entrance fee of �5, categories for under-9s, under-11s and under-14s, with trophies for winners and certificates for all taking apart.

To find out more about Broadland Chess Club's activities contact Paul Badger on 01603 737572 (e-mail: paulbadger@supanet.com) or Jonathan Reeve 01263 733744 (e-mail: thefamilyreeve@btinternet.com).