A YOUNG Chepstow chess player is playing in the world championships in South Africa.

Anna Boyle is the sole Welsh representative at the World Youth Chess Championships beng held this week in Durban.

The eight-year-old Dell Primary School pupil won two of her first three games including a two-hour marathon against a 'very decent' opponent from Algeria, Nassr Manel.

Her coach, Tim Kett told the Welsh Chess Union website that this was the round in which "she came of age at this level".

Anna, who is competing in the under-eight section, travelled to South Africa with dad Andy and is getting coaching advice from Mr Kett over the internet.

A chess quiz at school raised £120 and the Chepstow and Caldicot Lions also donated £100 to assist Anna.

Headteacher of The Dell, Steve King, said: "We're incredibly proud that Anna is representing Wales at the World Youth Chess Championships.

"What we didn't realise was that Anna was the only player representing Wales in the whole tournament."

The Dell has a very active chess club with around 50 members which was set up at the suggestion of a parent about four years ago.