A SCHOOL is throwing down the gauntlet to chess players in the North-East.

Despite having a 42-member strong chess club, Ormesby School, in Middlesbrough, can find no one to play with.

Its last outdoor tournament was with a school in the York area.

Kiki Haines, the teacher who runs the club, said: "I am afraid this is a problem. We have not managed to get a link between ourselves and either a primary or secondary school."

The Stockwith Close comprehensive has won an ally in its search - Gerry Walsh, of the Cleveland Chess Association.

He said: "When I was at school in the Middlesbrough area we had a Tees-side Schools' League, for both primary and secondary schools.

"I would love us to get back into those days. If Cleveland Chess Association can do anything to bring this about, we will.''

One chess playing ex-Ormesby School pupil designed what the British Chess Federation has judged the website of the year, while another old boy is the Braille chess champion of England and plays in tournaments all over the world.

Current Ormesby School first-former Mark Fuller recently played and beat pupils four years his senior in a chess club tournament. He was yesterday presented with a trophy awarded by the Northern Counties Chess Union - an award made in recognition of chess playing in schools.

The Ormesby School club also needs timers and record sheets for games.

Anyone wanting to contact the school about arranging a match or who can provide equipment can call (01642) 452191.