CHESS players took to the streets of Bewdley ahead of an upcoming tournament this weekend in a bid to make Bewdley a chess-friendly town.

Mayor Linda Candlin opened the event, in which members of St Anne’s Chess Club played the public to get residents in the spirit for tomorrow's tournament.

Independent Councillor Julian Phillips also joined in the fun to help promote Bewdley as a chess-friendly town.

The tournament will be held in the parish hall and there will be a trophy and prizes up for grabs, which have been donated by local businesses. The competition will start at 11am and run until 5pm.

Keith Thompson, who has helped set up the town’s chess club, said: “Chess is one of the most popular board games played in the world. On the continent it is not unusual to see people playing chess inside and outside cafes and bars so, with that thought in mind, we are out to make Bewdley a chess-friendly town.

“We would like the local pubs and coffee houses to have a chess set so, if people wish to play chess, they can.”

All the cash raised at the tournament will be donated to Bewdley Community Transport Helpline, which provides a door- to-door transport service.

For further details contact Jim Friar on 07501 336372 or John Wrench 07913 227402.