THE GRANGE, Monmouth School has clinched the title of British Primary School Chess Champions 2003.

The Monmouth team won the under 11 chess team title after a two-day final at Oakham School in Rutland.

Coach Kevin Thomas said: "We were blessed this year with an exceptionally talented group of players who have shown dedication for the last few years.

"The standard of the competition rises each year as it becomes more and more common for schools to employ professional chess players as part or full-time members of staff."

This premier competition attracted entries from 188 schools across Britain. 75 of these qualified for the semi-final stage held at three Pontin's holiday camps, where they were whittled down to nine schools which made it to the final.

The Grange's team of six was Jac Thomas, Matthew Kinloch, Yudi Fleming, David Wan, Sam Lazarus and Ross Evans.

Mr Thomas said: "The final was a pressure cooker. Not only were the boys aware that every point or half point was critical but they were also being scrutinised by several chess international masters and grand masters who were present as coaches for the other finalists. It is a measure of their mental toughness they came through."

Top British player Julian Hodgson, present at the final as coach of Colet Court, London, was full of praise for the combative and controlled style of the Grange players.

The Grange received a standing ovation in the prize-giving ceremony when it was revealed that, with only 92 boys, it was the smallest school to have entered the competition.

Head of the Grange, Mrs Elaine Thomas said: "We are of course delighted. Four years ago The Grange came 110 out of 135 in this competition. We produced a development plan, which achieved all its goals within two years, and now we are British champions.

"The boys will have that on their CVs for the rest of their lives."