A GIANT chess set has been donated to delighted children at a primary school.

The chess set which is carved out of wood, was given to Broadwas Primary School by Bill Barry.

Mr Barry, who lives in Broadwas on Teme, made the giant set for the chess club at the school.

"The children have been thrilled with it," said Ann Jacobs, the school's secretary. "They can play chess with the pieces outside and inside. They think it's fantastic."

Mrs Jacobs said that the school takes a keen interest in chess and holds a lunchtime club run by one of its governors.

She said that some of the pupils participate in chess competitions and tournaments.

"Several children participated in the national competition and they did fairly well," she said.

She said that although the chess pieces are carved out of wood they are "quite light" and the board is about a metre and a half square.

"The giant chess set has encouraged more children at the school to take up chess," she added.