YOUNG chess players had all the right moves in a tournament designed to test their skills to the maximum.

Barnard Castle Prep School pupils became king of the board by taking the honours in the annual Teesdale Chess League.

Teams of four battled it out on the chess board with two points awarded for a win and Barnard Castle Prep School gained 50points.

They beat runners-up Gainford by nine points with Toft Hill coming a close third with 40.

Rohan Kelsall, a Barnard Castle Prep School student, who took part, said: "It was a very tough competition and pretty close in the end.

"But it was also great fun and we all love the challenge and coming up with a winning strategy."

Primary school pupils from Woodland, Toft Hill, Gainford, Bowes, Butterknowle, St Mary’s in Barnard Castle, Cotherstone and Ingleton also played in a league.

They played three rounds during the spring term ending in the final leg at Barnard Castle Prep School.

Paul Ruane, headteacher of Butterknowle Primary School organises the competition.

He said: "Chess is a great game to develop children’s strategy forming, powers of concentration and spatial awareness.

"It also gives children the chance to shine regardless of their academic abilities and it improves their social skills because they meet children from other schools."