YOUNG chess players pitted themselves against each other yesterday in the final round of a league competition.

Eight primary schools from around Teesdale have been taking part in the chess championship, which was first held in 1994.

The schools that took part were from Bowes, Gainford, Toft Hill, Ingleton, Cotherstone, Butterknowle and two from Barnard Castle in the shape of St Mary's School and Barnard Castle Prep School.

The final round of matches, held at Barnard Castle Prep School, saw students come head to head to win points for their team.

By the end of the day it was the hosts who had been crowned new champions - the first time they have won the competition since 2001.

Bowes School came second in the league with last year's winners Gainford School following closely behind in third.

Paul Ruane, head teacher at Butterknowle School and one of the organisers of the event, said: "The students have done really well this year and I have been really impressed by the standard they are playing to.

"They take it very seriously and there is always silence when they are playing.

"What I like about the competition is that you get different children that would be playing in the sports team.

"We are also seeing a lot more girls playing now which is very encouraging."