THE second annual Lake District backgammon championship will be staged at Windermere’s Cedar Manor Hotel in March.

Reigning champion Graeme Turner, from Newcastle, has already booked a place to defend his title on Sunday March 8.

The inaugural contest last year drew players from all over Britain and led to the formation of a Lake District club which meets monthly.

Mr Turner, a commercial banker who had taken up serious competition only a year previously, carried off £100 in prize money, and a free weekend at the Cedar Manor. Anyone interested in taking part should call 015394 43192.