Chess players in Yorkshire have challenged their Lancastrian neighbours to a play-off in memory of a late Bradford MP.

The match between the historic rivals will be the closing event of the day-long Chesstival In The Park tomorrow starting at 11am and ending at 4pm.

And with the new trophy in memory of former Bradford West MP Marsha Singh up for grabs, both sides are keen to take the honours, said Wil Lilburn-Quick, of Bradford District Chess Association.

The event and the trophy are being organised by the association in partnership with Bradford Council as a memorial to Mr Singh, a keen chess player, who died in July last year.

It also is being used to mark the 125th anniversary of the Bradford International Chess Congress held in the city in 1888.

The event starts with five chess masters, including former British number one Gawain Jones who grew up in Yorkshire, taking on 25 opponents each in one of the biggest simultaneous events to be held in the UK.

Mr Jones said: “I’m really looking forward to the Bradford Chesstival. Both the simultaneous display and the Yorkshire-Lancashire match are on a massive scale.

“I can’t remember 125 boards before in the UK! A truly impressive feat and I’m honoured to be taking part. Come on, Yorkshire!”

There will be plenty of opportunities for players from total beginners to experienced players to join in with teaching sessions from the Bradford Knights Academy and games on giant sets all around City Park’s mirror pool.

Entertainment on the day will also include music and dance from Aire Ensemble and Kala Sagam, there will also be face painting and balloons.

To find out more, go to the Chesstival website www.bradfordchess.co.uk/chesstival-in-the-park.php.