A CHESS champion simultaneously took on more than a dozen challengers in a Tonbridge tournament.

Grandmaster and Tonbridge Chess Club president John Emms, from Hildenborough, took on 15 opponents in a four-hour display of his skills on Sunday.

The 1997 British champion, and author of a number of books based on the sport, battled members of Tonbridge, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Snodland and Weald chess clubs.

Eleven-year-old Callum Brewer scored the only draw for the challengers and he earned himself a signed book prize written by Mr Emms on the Nimzo-Indian defence.

Other book winners were Stephen Bond, Andrew Mata, George Hollands and Robert Thompson.

Mr Emms, 44, earned the Grandmaster title in 1995 and has captained the English team at two chess olympiads.

He is also an experienced coach who has worked with many top players and a highly-respected chess writer.

Club secretary Tom Stevens said the event was a "resounding success" and another was being planned for next year.

Tonbridge Chess Club meets at the Royal British Legion at 26 Priory Road every Wednesday from 7.30 to 10.30pm and all newcomers are welcome, regardless of playing strength or experience.