YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell - herself an avid chess player when at school - has opened a junior chess tournament in the city.

She went to the Yorkshire Junior One Day Rapidplay Tournament, held on Saturday at Wigginton Primary School and organised by the White Rose Junior Chess Academy, which promotes chess amongst school age children in Yorkshire.

The MP said she wanted to encourage young people to enjoy playing the game and plotting their next moves, adding: “I am pleased to see so much interest in this chess championship and I congratulate the academy on organising another successful event. Chess is popular in York especially among young people. Several of our schools have set up chess clubs”

The day consisted of Swiss System Rapid play in three sections - Open, Minor and Novices - with prizes and certificates awarded. Chess training was provided, with the players given the chance to study general tactics.