THE first Appletreewick and Skyreholme International Chess Tournament attracted players from all parts of Britain, Ireland, Holland and the USA.

It was held at the Old Schoolhouse at Skyreholme, which has been restored by chess enthusiasts Jon and Moira Jordan.

Jon said: “I collect old antique chess sets so used to go around auctions in London. I got to know quite a lot of people and thought it would be good idea to hold a tournament.”

And it proved so popular that it is to become an annual event.

Held over two days, Jon Crumiller, of Princeton, New Jersey, emerged as the first champion, with Guy Lyons, from Ireland, coming second.