NORTHWICH Chess Juniors has been so popular organisers had to moved to a larger venue before it had even officially opened.

Northwich Chess Juniors launched on October 16 following the reopening of its parent club, Northwich Chess Club, which was forced to remain shut during the global pandemic.

Both clubs are not-for-profit organisations run by volunteers, with more than 20 children attended the junior club every week.

Richard Betts, Northwich Chess Juniors club organiser, said: "The new junior chess club is proving a great success.

"Children from age six to 13 have been having great fun playing the game while also solving problems.

"As one of their parents said, ‘It’s lovely to see such a range of children accessing the club.’

"At the beginner level, children have been learning the pawn game and the value of pieces.

"On the other hand, we have children just now starting to use chess clocks for blitz games – one of them even beat an instructor."

Northwich-based marketing agency Cheshire Cat Marketing created the Northwich Chess Juniors' branding and website to help raise awareness and bring in new members, while also simultaneously running the Facebook page completely free of charge.

Rhiannon Birch, co-founder and head of creative at Cheshire Cat Marketing, said: "Here at Cheshire Cat Marketing, we are passionate about supporting local businesses and nonprofits.

"We are absolutely thrilled with how Northwich Chess Juniors have been able to grow with our support.

"By refreshing their branding and website, combined with promoting on social media, we’ve been able to more than double the expected volume of children before they even opened!

"It's been really rewarding to help them get the attention they deserve through their marketing.”

Northwich Chess Juniors club sessions are held at Victoria Road Primary School in Northwich every Saturday morning from 9.30am until 11am for children of all levels.

Northwich Chess Club sessions are held at The Gladstone Club in Northwich every Monday evening from 7.30pm for adults of all levels.

Further details are available online by visiting northwichchessclub.com.