YOUNG members of a thriving school chess club – and some parents – had the opportunity to pit their wits against one of the world's best players.

Bulgarian Grandmaster Marian Petrov took on 23 pupils and three parents in a simultaneous chess display at St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School in Bulwark.

Players were sponsored either to take part or by the move which raised £950 for the Help Imogen Walk appeal.

Two-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Lewis joined sister Rosie-Cayte who is a member of the St Mary's chess club at the school on Monday afternoon.

Mr Petrov is in Britain for a tournament at Sunningdale in Berkshire and the visit to Chepstow was organised by chess club leader and parent Julie McIntosh and the Welsh Chess Union.

Nine-year-old Logan Fennell, who has been a member of the club for a year said he enjoyed playing against a Grandmaster.

He said: "Chess is the best board game ever."

The club is supported by the Chess in Schools and Communities charity.

Mrs McIntosh said: "As well as being enjoyable to play, chess helps develop logic, maths skills and concentration."

In December 12 pupils played in the London Chess Classic and had their picture taken with former world champion Vishy Anand.

Children from the school attend a Tuesday afternoon chess club, along with pupils from The Dell Primary School, at Chepstow Library.