THIRTY-TWO children turned out to take part in the sixth year of the Saffron Walden Scout District Chess Tournament. The tournament was open to all of the sections of the Scout movement - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, with the age range being from

THIRTY-TWO children turned out to take part in the sixth year of the Saffron Walden Scout District Chess Tournament.

The tournament was open to all of the sections of the Scout movement - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, with the age range being from six to 14 years of age.

Some 48 games of chess were played over two knockout tournaments.

There was the central tournament and also a plate tournament for all of the first round losers in the main competition. A town trail was also held in-between rounds.

The main section was won by a tournament veteran. Sixteen-year-old Peter Neuhaus, a member of the Saffron Walden Town Explorer unit, retained his title after beating nine-year-old Sam Featherstone from Fifth Saffron Walden Cub Pack.

A third and fourth place play-off resulted in Andreas Swerdlow, 10, also from the Fifth Saffron Walden Cub Pack and Tristen Parker, 12 of First Thaxted Scout Troop, coming third and fourth respectively.

In the plate competition, Ian Russock, 11, of First Thaxted Scout Troop, beat Edward Benfold, 10 of Fifth Saffron Walden Cub Pack.

Each of the main competition winners received a trophy and chocolate prizes were also given to all the winners on the day. Everyone also received a certificate and chocolate prize for their taking part in the event.

Events organiser, Kevin Rule, said: "Most of the sections in the movement and most of the district were represented.

"As this event always does, it showed a nice sense of coming together for the Scouting community, especially with all ages present. It was also nice this year to see some new children making the prizes."

If anyone between the age of six to 18 wishes to join the Scout movement they should ring district commissioner, Andy Player, on 07979 247128.