The government is giving Bolton £5,000 to install two public chessboards – double what was initially on offer.

The news comes after X, formerly Twitter, user Jack Shaw posted the results of a Freedom of Information Act request on the website, showing that 55 local authorities, including Bolton, Oldham and Wigan, will be receiving money for chessboards.

Local councils were invited to submit an expression of interest for £2,500 in funding to purchase and install a chess table and accompanying seats in local parks or green spaces in September, following confirmation of the plans in August.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said it hoped this would help to increase participation in chess among primary school-age children, support elite-level chess competition, and increase the visibility and public presence of chess.

Only local authorities which had received funding under the Levelling Up Parks Fund (LUPF) were eligible for the funding.

Bolton has been allocated £5,000 in funding, for the installation of two public chessboards – double the initial offer.

The boards will be placed in a park or green space, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Councils are not expected to provide chess pieces under the terms of the funding.

The council was approached for comment on this story.