PUPILS at a South Lakeland school are moving on up after getting through to the next round of the English Chess Federation Schools’ U19 competition.

Flying the flag for Cumbria, teenagers from Kirkbie Kendal School pitted their wits against strong opposition in the north-west heats at Bolton.

Teams from Ormskirk, Bolton Boys, Smithills and Kirkbie Kendal played three, 45 minute matches. Captain Jake Backhouse led the way with two wins on board, ably supported with two wins by Cameron Hill and a win and a draw by Brodie Wilson.

In a thrilling race against the clock Holly Gill secured a nail-biting victory against Bolton Boy’s B team that put KKS through to the next regional rounds in January 2016.

“Everyone had an amazing time," said Cameron. "They really enjoyed themselves and learnt a few new tricks which will help them in the future.”

Head teacher Phil Hyman said: “Chess is thriving at KKS because it is fun. We were able to take two teams to the tournament and they both did well with the A team qualifying for the next round and our juniors, captained by senior player Michael Dugdale, coming equal fourth which is good news for the future.”

The teams were: A-team: Jake Backhouse (c ), Harry Brench, Holly Gill, Laura Feasey, Cameron Hill, Brodie Wilson. B team: Michael Dugdale (c ), Xander Armstrong, Alastair Dugdale, Cassius Fawcett, Michael Wilson Rihannon Kaye