Medway Council has received government funding for new chess tables in public parks.

The £5,000 sum will go towards two chess tables and four chairs.

They are set to be installed in Gillingham Park and Jacksons Recreation Ground by spring next year.

However, people interested in using the new chess tables once installed will need to bring their own chess set.

It is part of the government’s £1 million investment in the game, which was announced in August.

Medway was one of 55 councils in England to receive a slice of the funding through the Levelling Up Parks Fund, with other places including Portsmouth, Southampton and Reading.

The government hopes the outdoor chess tables will help tackle loneliness by getting more people to play, connect and develop problem-solving skills together.