Three chess sets have been donated for public use in Carlisle as the games continues to grow in popularity.

The three sets were donated by Carlisle Chess Club for the Hammond’s Pond café, following the launch of an outdoor chess table at the same park in July.

Cumberland Council said it’s continuing to work in partnership with Carlisle Chess Club, Cumbria Chess Association and Chess in Schools and Communities to continue to bring the game into the city’s parks.

These three sets will be available for the public to freely use while the café is open.

Carlisle Chess Club and Chess in Schools and Communities have invited everyone to join them at Hammond’s Pond on Thursday, October 31 between 10am and 12pm when the chess set’s will officially be given to the cafe.

People are invited to challenge a member of Carlisle Chess Club to a game, to play a game with family or friends and to find out more about this timeless and intellectually stimulating game.

John Lydon, Cumbria Junior Chess Organiser and members of Carlisle Chess Club, will be on hand to give advice and tips on playing chess.

Mr Lydon said: “Chess is more than just a game; it’s a blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction.

“Playing chess can help develop many transferable skills including calculation, planning, imagination, creativity and learning that actions have consequences amongst many others.

“Carlisle Chess Club are delighted to be able to donate 3 Chess sets to Hammonds Pond cafe and we hope that visitors to the park and cafe enjoy using them and develop a lifelong love of the game.”

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, thanked the club for the donation and said: “This builds upon the successful installation of the outdoor chess table in the summer and it is great to be able to offer people the opportunity to come together to continue to play chess in the cafe, as the winter approaches.”