Michael Fabricant is backing a plan to encourage chess playing in West Midlands schools.

Michael says: “A new scheme proposed by the English Chess Federation is offering 250,000 free chess sets to schools, meaning that 25,000 schools in the country can receive up to 10 chess sets each. I think this a great idea. Chess has a proven track record of improving children’s concentration. According to a teachers group, chess can lead to rapid improvements in problem solving, decision making, and raising IQ levels.

“The sets will be available on a first come first served basis. I hope that every headteacher in Staffordshire will apply for these chess sets and encourage chess playing amongst their pupils.”

The scheme has been launched by the English Chess Federation and has come about as a result of a multi-million pound sponsorship secured from Holloid Plastics Limited, based in Basingstoke.

Schools should either write to The English Chess Federation, The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, Battle, Sussex TN33 0YD or email office@englishchess.org.uk