A BUDDING chess star from Herefordshire has won a place at a grand final where he will compete against the world's best child players.

Committed and promising young chess player, Dillan Duke, from Herefordshire, has won a hard fought place in the UK Chess Challenge National Final.

Dillan, aged 14, will be up against 11 other top players in the UK in his age category, fighting for the number one spot.

This national chess event will take place next month at Blenheim Palace, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill.

The competition has grown into the largest children's chess tournament in the world and attracts thousands of entrants every year.

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Dillan has already come through the first three rounds of this competition, which took place online due to coronavirus restrictions.

He was placed second and third in two of the rounds.

The grand finale will be played over the board in rooms at the palace, with the use of live boards where moves are instantly relayed online.

Spectre, the James Bond movie, was partly filmed at the location.

His father Paul Duke said: "Dillan is very much looking forward to the challenge ahead and continues to work hard in preparation.

"When not leaning over a chess board, Dillan enjoys power boating in Devon, sea fishing, surfing and skiing in the Scottish Mountains."