A KIDDERMINSTER chess stalwart has been presented with an inaugural honour for his dedication to the game.

John Wrench is the first recipient of the Jim Friar Award in recognition for his services to Worcestershire’s chess scene.

Mr Wrench is the secretary of Kidderminster Chess Club and captain of the Worcestershire first team but has also spent time developing other chess clubs and promoting it in schools across the West Midlands.

The award was given to Worcestershire Chess Association by the family of former Kidderminster Chess Club star Jim Friar, who sadly died in 2016.

Ray Collett, of Worcestershire Chess Association, said: “John has been a stalwart of his club and a Worcestershire County team player for many years.

“In recent years John helped found the Bewdley St Anne’s Community Chess Club and he helps organise its annual chess congress in aid of Bewdley charities.

“John has promoted chess in schools and is the West Midlands organiser for the national charity Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC).

“He is a volunteer tutor for CSC in several schools that teach logical thinking and planning using the medium of chess moves. As a qualified English Chess Federation chess coach, John coaches at King’s School Worcester St Alban’s.

“It is very fitting that the first recipient should be from Jim’s own club.”