YOUNGSTERS at a Chepstow primary school have been enjoying chess success and have now set their sights on a national trophy.

At the weekend, The Dell Primary School chess club came second in the National Schools Chess Association (NSCA) semi-finals under 11 open. They have secured their place in the finals along with The Grange, Monmouth, which will take place over two days in July at the public boarding school Uppingham.

The primary school came first place in division one at a team of 10 competition in Cardiff on November 25 which involved more than 40 chess teams.

Stephen King, headteacher at the Dell Primary, said: "When I started at the school two years ago I was meeting parents and Richard suggested the idea of a chess club. Since then we have had a pupil go to South Africa to compete and many of our pupils make up the Welsh chess squad - it is outstanding to achieve that in two years.

"The chess club is rising from strength to strength."

The Dell's chess club has around 30 pupils with many pupils attending the Chepstow Town Chess Club which has 40 members.

Richard Stevenson, chess club tutor, said: "Some of the children have shown promise in the individual tournaments at the lower end of the school. Anna Boyle attended the World Youth Chess Championships. As they get older the schools team are holding their own on the upper boards. It's really raising the standard of play."

He added: "The Chepstow Town Chess Club that meets in the library is supported by the charity Chess in Schools and Communities which has played a massive role in getting these children good enough to get through to the finals. At this club, the children receive regular coaching from Julie McIntosh, who is a Woman FIDE Master, and is giving up her time for free to support these children."

The chess club are looking to raise funds for training and to take part in their competitions.