CHESS clubs at two schools in Eaglescliffe are to be expanded after they received a grant.

The Links Primary School and Teesside High School have received a grant of £22,000 to develop the chess clubs which they operate between them.

The grant, which covers a two-year period, has been awarded to the schools by the Department for Education and Skills as part of their Building Bridges award scheme.

The project is being organised by Sean Marsh, the chess teacher for the Links school and Mike Abraham, headteacher of Teesside High.

It aims to include teaching children in both schools the basics of chess, regular inter-school tournaments and matches, regular coaching sessions for all strengths of players and visits to both schools from grandmasters to provide further coaching and inspiration.

In keeping with this, there will be a visit to both schools by Keith Arkell, the chess Grand Master, on November 29 and 30.

Mr Marsh said: "This is an incredible opportunity for the children of both schools to gain a greater understanding of the game of chess and they are all looking forward to Mr Arkell's forthcoming visit."