By Hayley Robinson

A six-year-old boy took on chess grandmaster John Emms when he visited Sittingbourne to play multiple opponents at the same time.

The boy, called Isaac, was the youngest player to turn up to the sponsored event in aid of the Sittingbourne branch of the MS Society.

It transpired during a conversation between the organisers and the youngster's dad that Isaac - who only recently started to learn the game - was keen to play a grandmaster "as they're not around often".

In total 21 chess enthusiasts took part in the event - the oldest player was 83-year-old Ron Browning, a member of Sittingbourne Chess Club.

Local branch fundraising officer Teresa Owens said: "All of the local stars played well and the chess was hard-fought and fun as Mr Emms showed his versatility, as well as world-class strength as he gradually improved his position on each board.

"By the end of the three-hour display the grandmaster showed exactly why he is such an elite player as not one opponent was good enough to beat him. He beat 17 opponents with four managing to draw."

The players to achieve draws were Sittingbourne chess players Ron Browning and Karl Lewis; Maidstone Chess Club member George Hollands and James Essinger from Bridge Chess Club. Despite losing, three junior players were awarded book prizes for their superb play. They were Merlin Farrell, from Oare, Charles Joy, from Sittingbourne Community College, and Ben Yardley, from St Peter's Catholic Primary School.

The event raised more than £250 for the group, which is the Sittingbourne Messenger's charity of the year.

For information or literature on Multiple Sclerosis, call 01795 476000.

For more information or to become a member of Sittingbourne Chess Club call 01795 422898.

Do you know Isaac? If so contact the newdesk on 01795 580300 or emailsittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk