Schools throughout the West Coast took part in the annual School Chess Tournament held at the Greymouth High School library earlier this week.

Up to 37 students took part with Haast in the deep south, Saint Patricks, John Paul the second and Barrytown schools all first time entrants in the competition.

It is the third year the tournament has been held and the game of chess helps develop concentration, strategy and planning along with social interaction for the young players.