Ref. 28057-6CHESS whizzkid Jack Cleeves is only a few moves away from a place on the national chess team. The Lethbridge Primary pupil has qualified for the England chess trials next spring and is hoping for success.

He will be one of 60 children competing for a place in the under-11 team.

In the last two months, the 11-year-old has won the Hampshire under-14 competition as well as the Devon and Cornwall Riviera under-12 competition.

At the England under-11 championship in Bedford in early November, Jack earned four out of five points which ensured he qualified for the national trials.

Jack, whose father Gareth, 43, taught him the game when he was six, plays for the Thamesdown Chess Club as well as his school team and the county team.

"He loves to play with his dad," said mum Jo, 36, a housewife. "His dad used to beat him but now Jack is family champion."

Jack's younger brother, eight-year-old Harry, also plays the game but is yet to defeat his brother.

"We would like to think Jack will make it through to the England team," said his mum.

Between now and next spring Jack will take part in a number of competitions in preparation for the trials.

During the Christmas period he will travel to London to compete and this weekend he will represent his school at a local event.

Jack follows a long line of Lethbridge chess players who, over the last decade, have played for England at various levels.

They include Rohan Churm, brothers Ian and Leigh Debbage, and, more recently, brothers Joshua and Daniel Hall.

elidbury@newswilts.co.uk