On the 3rd of July, Chess in Schools and Communities Chief Executive Malcolm Pein visited the 2018 Merthyr Tydfil Junior Chess Tournament where 100 children from six schools came together for a day of chess fun.

The tournament was staged in the recently refurbished Dowlais Community Centre, the pupils thoroughly enjoyed their games of chess interspersed with football games in the blazing sunshine. The Community Centre has been refurbished thanks to the support of the Stephens & George Trust.

Malcolm Pein asked to play the Scandinavian from Ashun

Pupils from St.Mary's Primary School took most of the top honours with the prizes being awarded by Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, Councillor Clive Tovey.

Councillor Clive Tovey makes the ceremonial first move of the tournament

Malcolm Pein took up the challenge from some of the best children of the tournament, who are coached by no less than former Welsh Chess Champion Tim Kett. These pupils have benefited from the charity's donation of Chesskid subscriptions.

Bughouse chess with former Chief Constable of South Wales Kevin Stanley.

The Chess in Schools programme in Merthyr Tydfil is generously supported by the Stephens & George Charitable Trust and extends to 16 schools; making one of the biggest schemes in the country . Thanks to Helen Hughes of the Stevens & George Trust for arranging this wonderful tournament.

Big congratulations to the proud winner!