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It's the classic game of cat and mouse played and admired by millions across the globe, one which requires meticulous planning and strategy to stay ahead of the opposition.

This thinking mans game is believed to have originated in India before the 7th century, although the pieces gained their current titles in Spain in the late 1400s.

The rules werent standardised until the 19th century, and the first recognised World Chess Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz, claimed his title in 1886.

Hampshire residents have enjoyed playing the game over the years, like the team at King Edward VI school who made the headlines in 1996 after winning the British Times Schools Championship 15 times in 20 years.

Eastleigh Unity Club played host to the county individual championships in 1996, in which Southampton University secretary Alisdair Alexander won the under 175 grading prize.

Adam Norton form Woolston was just 11 years old when he was featured in The Southern Daily Echo for being one of the brightest prospects in chess.

Norton had represented England for three year in 1998, and hadnt lost a game. He was also the only person at Southampton Chess Club to win the Under 18 championship three years running.

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Pictures of people playing chess in Hampshire through the years - Daily Echo