Banbury residents enjoy chess day led by former champion

The open session in People's Park was led by former champion, author, and coach, Carl Portman.

The event on July 20 attracted players from the UK, France, Hungary, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

Carl Portman (Image: Banbury Town Council)

Mr Portman taught strategies, offered advice, and played multiple games throughout the day.

He said: "It was great to see the people of Banbury and beyond coming together to play over the chessboard.

"Complete strangers soon made friends and enjoyed the royal game.

"They were players of all strengths from beginner to much stronger but everyone helped, played and had fun."

The next chess event in the park, which will be a women's event, is scheduled to take place on August 10.

Women will have the opportunity to learn, practice and compete, following a recent study which suggested 39 per cent of chess players in the UK are female.

No prior experience or booking is required and all equipment will be provided at the People's Park pavilion from 10am until 4pm.

The park has its own permanent chess tables, located next to the cafe, and anyone wishing to use them can loan a chess set from the cafe.

Banbury Town Council said it would like to thank Mr Portman for "his efforts, and for what proved to be fantastic opportunity for Banbury residents to get to grips with chess".