A CHESS club has blamed new technology on difficulties in recruiting members.

In an appeal for players, Ken Sunter said people now preferred to stay at home and surf the web than join organisations like Richmond Chess Club.

Mr Sunter said: "The chess club was started 55 years ago when there were not as many distractions as there are now.

"Modern technology means there are lots of other interests for people that can be done in the comfort of their home.

"These interests create a problem for us, and other clubs, in recruiting players."

The club, which meets on Wednesdays in Richmond House, in Reeth Road, Richmond at 7.15pm, has four players.

The club is particularly keen to hearing from people from Catterick Garrison. Anyone interested can call Mr Sunter on (01748) 824574.