'CHECK' WHETHER YOUR MATES LIKE CHESS - GIDLEY

12.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Feb 2008

Local MP, Sandra Gidley, is to help the English Chess Federation in their quest to provide a quarter of a million chess sets to schools across the UK. Sandra hopes to find local school pupils who like the game, so that they and their classmates can benefit from the initiative.

Commenting today, Sandra said:

"I was thrilled to hear about this generous scheme. Chess is a great game to learn when you are young. It would be difficult to prove that playing chess helps you with GCSEs, but as it forces logical thinking, it can only be good. It's a game which develops logic and strategy, which are useful tools throughout life.

"Traditionally, chess was not something you could admit a passion for - until now. Tesco has announced that sales of chess sets are booming and that its new own-brand set is selling at double the rate forecast. It attributes the sales spurt to the fact that celebrities such as Madonna play and that chess features in the Harry Potter films.

"Being able to play chess is fast becoming a very 'cool' skill for young people."

Sandra, who will be writing to all local schools to promote the chess sets scheme added:

"I urge all pupils across Southampton and Hampshire to check whether your friends like chess, and to persuade your headteachers to take advantage of this tremendous offer."

Schools can apply by contacting Sandra's constituency office on 01794 511900 or by contacting The English Chess Federation directly at The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, Battle, TN33 0YD. The email address for the English Chess Federation is office@englishchess.org.uk.

ENDS