75549-27A SCHOOLBOY has earned a place on the England national chess team.Twelve-year-old Jack Cleeves, started playing chess at five and is now looking forward to a trip to Bulgaria with the England team in May.
His mother Jo said: "It's a real achievement. He put in a lot of effort."
To qualify for the national team Jack, who attends Commonweal School, had to score a certain amount of points in two regional competitions in London.
He said: "I'm quite proud of myself. I was really excited when I found out I got in. My head teacher is going to put it in the newsletter."
But while Jack is excited at the prospect of a trip to Bulgaria not everyone in the family is happy.
He said: "My dad's a bit worried about me going to Bulgaria. It'll be my first time away without the family."
Jack's younger brother and sister are also budding chess players.
Harry, 10, has received half a nomination to take part in trials for the England team in Liverpool, which means if he does well in another competition he will be invited to the trials. His little sister Megan, aged eight, came fifth in her age group at a competition in London in December.
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