A young Ilford Chess Club member has triumphed in the British Championships, aged just 12.

Dion Huang, of Seven Kings, dedicated his title to the late Ron Franklin, who taught him how to play and was his coach at the Redbridge Chess Academy for three years.

Mr Franklin, who died last year aged 69, played for Ilford after joining the club in 1965 and was also a member of many other Redbridge societies.

Under his tuition, Dion, who started playing chess when he was just seven, rose quickly through the ranks, winning the Essex under-10 championship in 2010.

Dion said: “I want to go into more tournaments and will compete in different age groups.

“I just like playing chess, I think it’s really interesting. It does take a lot of work but it comes naturally to me now.”

His most recent victory, in the British under-13s, was decided with one round remaining because of his exceptional score.

Ilford Chess Club chairman Jef Page said: “To have a member of our club who is a British champion is great and to dedicate it to Ron is so thoughtful and very much appreciated.”