After a near thousand year wait one of the world's oldest and most popular pastimes is set to be recognised as a genuine sport.

Chess, which is believed to have originated in the 12th century, could soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of football, tennis and cricket, as the mind-bending board game prepares to accept full sporting status.

Sports minister Tony Banks has led the calls to upgrade chess, which would receive full backing from the Government.

"This is great news which is long overdue," said Southend chess wizard Peter Walker, who teaches the boardgame at local schools and clubs.

"Hopefully this change will mean that chess will now receive funding support from the Government which will help players in this country reach even greater heights.

"At the moment England is currently ranked third in the world, just behind America and the Russian grandmasters. If we can pump money into the game then I'm sure we can catch them up and hit the top ourselves.

"But first we need to be taken seriously funding wise. The British Chess Federation received grants of only £49,000 last year, compared to a donkey sanctuary in south Wales which was given £89,000."

Peter, who lives in East Street, Prittlewell, and has four children, including three who have won numerous national chess titles, would like to see additional funding used to bring chess to the classroom.

"With the right investment this country could bring through so many good chess players," said the 44-year-old, who is also a piano instructor.

"More financial help could see chess become a curriculum option at local schools, where I'm sure it could become as popular as other sports like football and table tennis.

"There are so many benefits that chess can bring to the school environment which can help students achieve academic success.

"Chess trains the mind and allows people to focus, which can be of great advantage in an exam or learning situation."

Peter believes that pupils and students of all ages should be given the opportunity to have a dabble with rooks, bishops and knights on the chequered board.

"I believe all children should at least be taught the basics of chess in school," he said. "There's nothing nerdy about chess and you don't have to be hyper-intelligent to play the game.

"Chess is as competitive a game as any other and its players need the will to win and aggression of other sportsmen to be successful.

"If people can see this for themselves at an early age then chess has a strong future in this country and will continue to thrive."

Check mate - Peter Walker watches as Rosann Drummond, Kelly Alton and William Matthams play chess at Manor School, Church Road, Basildon. He hopes the game will soon be a regular part of the school curriculum

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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