THE Bury Chess Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8.

The eighth annual Rapidplay Congress, organised by Bury Chess Club, is on Sunday (Dec 8) in the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall. Top prize is £760, with an Open prize of £160.

The Manchester Chess Federation will run the Bury Busy Person's Congress on Saturday (Dec 7) between 1pm and 4.10pm. Top prize fund is £195.

A combined entry form is available from BuryChessClub@pcfp.co.uk or by telephoning Peter Dodsworth on 0161 795 4856 or Bernard Sharples on 0161 764 6353.