The government has awarded thousands of pounds to Hastings as part of the prime minister’s chess fund.

Rishi Sunak set aside £500,000 earlier to invest in our national chess teams, chess clubs in schools and public boards.

Councils had to bid for a share of the fund and Hastings was one of the lucky winners, being awarded two public boards and £2,500.

A spokesman for Hastings Borough Council said: “I can confirm we’ve had funding for the chess sets.

“We have received £2,500 and two sets. One of these will be going to The Firs, and the other will be located within one of the town’s green spaces but we have not yet confirmed where.”

The Great British Chess Revival was announced in August with a giant immersive chess board at Trafalgar Square, London.