Five years after it wound up, the Ipswich Junior Chess Club is being revived next week in the hope of attracting a new generation of youngsters to the game.

The club was successful for many years, meeting weekly during school terms, holding regular competitions, and seeing its members take part in regional and national events.

However five years ago it looked like checkmate for the club.

Now, however, it is being revived with a new home in the Ipswich Central Library in Northgate Street.

It will meet for 90 minutes every Saturday morning during term time at the library from 10am – starting on September 10.

To drum up interest and try to attract members, the club is holding a special open morning next Saturday where any youngster can have a game, and even try playing on a giant chess set.

Members will be in the refreshment area of the library between 10am-12noon challenging all-comers.

The club is open to youngsters aged from six to 16 – and club chair Martin Tomes said schools in the town had been very supportive.

He said: “Since the junior club stopped five years ago there have been a few youngsters who have gone to the senior chess club, but that isn’t particularly welcoming for them. It’s all silent and not really geared to what they want.

“We’re hoping there is enough interest out there to get the club up and running again, and with a good central location in the library I hope we will be successful.”