YORK MP Hugh Bayley got more than he bargained for when he took on a six-year-old at chess - and lost.

But Mr Bayley can be forgiven as the six-year-old in question was in fact Pierre Weller, a contender in the Rapidplay Chess Championship which took place in York on Saturday. The competition was organised by York Chess Club with 60 adults and 34 juniors from all over Yorkshire taking part.

Mr Bayley said: "I am pleased to see so much interest in this chess championship and congratulate York Chess Club on organising such a successful event. Chess is becoming more popular in the York area, especially among young people.

"Several schools compete in a chess league and there is growing popularity even among children under the age of 11."

Updated: 12:11 Monday, January 27, 2003