ENTRIES have closed for the first Lake District backgammon championship because of overwhelming demand from players.

The contest, to be staged at Windermere's Cedar Manor hotel, has attracted interest from all over the UK.

Details were posted only last week on the hotel's website for the event on April 27, but owner Jonathan Kaye says that they are already fully subscribed.

"We've had a fantastic and very enthusiastic response," he said. "It looks like I won't get a game myself now."

Players who are still interested can put their names on a reserve list by contacting the hotel.

A tournament director from Liverpool is being appointed via the UK Backgammon Federation.