Some of Britain’s top chess players will be crossing swords with local talent at the Great Yarmouth Chess Congress over the weekend of April 28 and 29.

Up to 100 players of all ages are expected to take part in the event at Yarmouth Town Hall which has four sections to cater for all abilities.

In the top Open section, Alan Merry, from Bury St Edmunds, will be favourite, having just chalked up his second grandmaster norm at the Jersey international tournament.

He will be joined in by fellow international masters Richard Tozer, from Cambridge, and Richard Bates, from Hackney.

Spectators are welcome at the event which gets under way at 9.30am on the Saturday and 10am on the Sunday.

People can also make a late entry by calling tournament controller John Wickham on 07808 876785.

Lowestoft-based Kingsley Healthcare is the major sponsor, supported once again by the borough council and town centre BID.

Mr Wickham said: “There is still the possibility of people making a late entry.

“People can contact my on 07808 876785. It’s a great event for people to bring their families along as there is lots for them to do in Yarmouth this time of the year.”

Daya Thayan, CEO of Kingsley, a growing national care homes operator based in Lowestoft, said: “As a company, we are delighted to support the communities in which we work.

“And in Yarmouth we are proud to run Eversley Nursing Home which has an outstanding reputation and excellent CQC rating. We will soon be starting on an exciting project to double its size and create many more jobs in the process.”

The chess tournament, established for more than 15 years in the town, provides a welcome early season boost to the tourism economy with bookings in local hotels and B and Bs as well as increased retail spend.

Organisers are looking to take the event on to the next level in future years and are keen to hear from other businesses that might be willing to lend additional support. Contact Mr Wickham if you are interested.