CHESS wizards aged nine to 15 put their skills to the test at a summer boot camp at Oxford Spires Academy in Glanville Road.

Over a course held on Tuesday and Wednesday, instructor Andrew Varney put youngsters through their paces ahead of an all-day tournament on Thursday. Those taking part needed to have scored at least 150 on the English Chess Foundation (ECF)’s official scale, which is a high level for young people.

About 17 chess fans, most from Oxford, took part.

Mr Varney said students had an intensive look at a particular game, adding: “It will definitely be beneficial to them longer-term.

“My experience from my own kids and people I coach is that if you have a more intensive look at things, you see a change pretty much straight away.”

For details of other coaching courses, call Mr Varney on 07786 321095.