TWO Chepstow primary school pupils have been successful at a chess competition.

Anna Boyle, 8, won the under 8 competition and Madeleine Smith, 8, was runner up in the under 9's at the Welsh Junior Girls Chess Championships on Sunday. The Dell Primary School pupils had to complete six games to win in their category at the competition held in the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls.

Sarah Boyle, Anna's mum, said: "She was over the moon with her trophy. We are all very proud of her she did very well - she won five out of six games.

"Anna's taken part in a few competitions but this her first individual trophy - this is the first major competition that she's been in by herself. A lot of private schools take part who are usually very good at chess so boys and girls from state schools doing really well at competitions is quite amazing."

She added: "I think chess is really good for children to help their concentration and strategy skills. Anna is really keen to do more competitions and hopes to join the South Wales Chess Union."

Both girls are part of the school's chess club and have just joined the newly formed junior club at Chepstow town library.

Judith Smith, mother of Madeleine, said: "She had a great time on Sunday. She didn't know how it was going to go as the standard for South Wales girls is quite high.

"She was quite pleased at winning - for an eight year old it is quite an achievement. Her older brother George plays so she's seen him play chess- the chess club at school has been brilliant for them."