THE fifth annual Hatherleigh Great Outdoor Chess Challenge is set to be held in the town this month.

The annual open air event is the culmination of the Hatherleigh Chess League's season, which runs from September to May. As per usual, organisers are issuing the challenge to all Devon chess fans to come along and see if they can clinch the main prize.

Neil Price, one of the organisers, said: 'Last year we had 18 participants, and we're hoping to drum up a few more for this year.

'Last year's winner was from Black Torrington, and we're hoping someone can bring the title back to Hatherleigh!

'To us it's all about the fun side of it. We say rather than a chess club, we're actually a drinking club with a chess problem!'

The championship is played in a round robin format, with each player playing several games against opponents drawn from a hat. Official chess clocks will be used to ensure no game exceeds its time limit. Players will receive points for winning or drawing a game, and the player with the most points at the end of the day will be declared Hatherleigh chess champion.

The Hatherleigh Chess Circuit plays three pubs in the area each Monday between September and May in rotation, including the Royal Exchange in Torrington, the Bickford Arms in Black Torrington and the Duke of York in Iddesleigh.

For anyone looking to sharpen their skills before the championships, a chess for fun afternoon will take place at the Tally Ho! pub in Hatherleigh this Sunday (June 5) at 3pm. People can turn up and expect a cerebral challenge from Hatherleigh's keenest chess players.

The chess championships will be held on Saturday, June 11 in Hatherleigh Square, with games starting at 3pm.

There is a £2 entry fee, and if there is rain, the games will be moved inside the nearby Old School building.

For more details phone Neil Price on 01837 810323 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]