THE cream of Europe's blind and partially-sighted chess playing talent is in the North-East for a major competition.

St Aidan's College, part of Durham University, is hosting the European Individual Chess Championship, which runs until next Thursday.

The tournament has been held three times previously and this year's is the first to be staged in this country.

Organiser Stan Lovell, from Redcar, said the college was chosen because of its facilities, which have been recognised by the British Tourist Board.

The event, which was opened by Durham County Council chairman Edna Hunter yesterday, also marks the 75th anniversary of the Braille Chess Association (BCA).

Among the 76 contestants, drawn from 26 countries, are the Russians Vladimir Berlinsky, the current world champion, and Sergey Krylov, winner of the last championship, which was held in Spain, in 2003.

The British entries include the current British champion and International Master Colin Crouch, plus four former British champions and players with regional connections.

Chris Ross was born in Stockton and narrowly missed out on victory over Mr Berlinsky in the world championship.

Meanwhile, Les Whittle, from Morpeth, won an individual silver medal in the Team Olympiad of 2004.

Bill Armstrong, who was the British champion in 1983, can trace his family roots to Barnard Castle, in County Durham, although he was born in Aberdeen.

The players use a smaller board, with raised black squares and peg holes to place the pieces in. Black pieces have a pin.

Mr Lovell said that games are played with two boards, each player carrying out all the moves of the game on his own board.

"For blind people, chess is such a great game,'' said Mr Lovell, who thanked Durham County Council for its support in staging the event in Durham City.

"It is a great social integrator too. Almost all of us play chess in our local club.''

Mr Lovell said the BCA, which promotes the game among people with sight loss, would be "very interested'' in hearing from any blind or partially-sighted people interested in taking up the game.

They can either telephone 01642- 775668 for more information, or visit www.braillechess.org.uk