A north Oxford schoolgirl is planning to checkmate the world's best after being crowned British under-eight chess champion.

Anna Wang, who is eight and lives near Cutteslowe Park, was named champion based on her performance in tournaments against girls and boys her own age, older children, and adults.

She is following in the footsteps of her equally skilled sister Maria, 11, who has represented England for the past three years.

Mum Susan Li is very proud of her daughters' achievements. She said: "I taught her basic moves at the very beginning, but she soon zoomed off from there and I'm not much of an opponent for her now.

"I'm really pleased she has been chosen, because it's something really good for the girls and for promoting chess as well."

The girls are both pupils at Oxford High School, where they are members of the chess club. They also play for Cowley Chess Club.

Mrs Li said: "Maria just started by going to the chess club and Anna soon wanted to do it too."

Mrs Li and her husband Hui Wang, who take the girls to most of their tournaments, have another daughter, three-year-old Eva. Mrs Li added: "Eva is very keen to learn too, but at the moment she just plays with the pieces.

"There are many more girls playing now, but overall I think the fact is that there are still more boys playing."

Dr Heather Lang, who coaches members of the school chess club, said: "Anna is an outstanding young player, as is her sister.

"Maria has been selected for the past three years and Anna for the first time this year, and I think it's unusual that the best girl players are the best players over all.

"They are encouraged to play as many people as possible, of all different ages. Chess is a big age-leveller. They are both nice, well-rounded individuals, normal girls."

Maria and Anna will be representing their country - Anna for the first time - at the World Youth Chess Championships in Turkey in November.