KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club’s historic Club Championship Shield has been won by member Dave Spowart.

The 42-year-old took home the coveted shield after progressing through the group stages and the knock-out rounds to defeat Maurice Bissell in a tense final.

Club secretary David Waud said: “Dave performed brilliantly to win the shield this year and he joins a list of past champions and first-class chess players.

“Our club championship is always a popular tournament and has an amazing history with it being first won back in 1901. It has continued to be an extremely competitive tournament and Dave did superbly.”

Mr Waud added: “The club, which is one of the oldest official chess clubs in the UK, will next year celebrate its 175th anniversary and to honour this special occasion we are planning a number of wonderful events, including holding an evening with a Chess Grand Master.

“It is amazing to think the club will be 175 years old next year and I look forward to seeing it celebrate its bi-century. However, in order to do this we need to ensure we continue to gain more members, including welcoming more juniors and females to the club. We do have some ladies and juniors as members already but would love to see more.”

Members meet at Habberley Social Club every Wednesday at 7.30pm.

The club is open to adults and juniors and those looking for more information can call David on 07889 508656.