THE fourth Hatherleigh Open Air Chess Championships are all set to be held in the village this month.

The annual event is the culmination of the Hatherleigh Chess League's season, which runs from September to May.

This year the league has issued a challenge to all Devon chess fans to come along and see if they can take the championship prize away from Hatherleigh for the first time.

Organiser Neil Price said: 'The original Open Air Hatherleigh Chess Championships started about 20 years ago and attracted some famous names, some of them international.

'We revived the series four years ago because of an upsurge in local interest.

'Last year we had 32 entrants from across Devon and this year we are aiming for 40.

'We have seen some strong players in previous years, but most of us play mainly for fun and that's the spirit behind our challenge.'

The championship is played as a knock-out, with entrants gradually being whittled down until a winner is declared.

This year, official chess clocks are being introduced to ensure no game exceeds its allotted time.

Should rain intervene, the nearby Old School building will be used.

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.

Other pubs are expected to join for the start of the 2010 and 2011 season.

Anyone who wants to take part in the Hatherleigh Open Air Chess Challenge can register beforehand with Neil Price, or come along on the day at around 1pm. Spectators are also welcome.

The challenge will be held on Saturday, June 12 in Hatherleigh Square and games start at 2pm.

For more details phone Neil Price on 01837 810323 or 07890 615454, or email [email protected]">[email protected]