A budding young chess player from Hazlemere has been selected for the National Junior Chess Squad after a series of impressive performances.

Nakul Nataraj, 12, plays for the Wycombe and Hazlemere Chess Club and he is now the Bucks County Champion in his age group.

Since starting at a young age after picking up basic moves from his dad, Raj, and following in the footsteps of his brother, Nakul’s progress has been incredible and his reward is selection for England.

Raj said: “He took chess up at a very young age and as he got older he got better and better. He initially had trials with the England U11 squad but he didn’t do as well as expected.

“He was beaten by kids he had beaten before but he picked himself up and he then started beating some of the best juniors in the country at various tournaments.”

Nakul was originally Wiltshire County Champion before he moved with his family to Buckinghamshire and he currently plies his trade in the Bucks Adults League.

Raj added: “He is enjoying playing against adults and some of the matches he has with them can go on for up to four hours.

He joked: “I used to play Nakul but I just can’t cope with him anymore.”

Now England selection has been sealed, Nakul is just awaiting the call from selectors about where his first tournament will be.

Raj added: “He could be travelling to countries like Belgium or France or even to the likes of the Czech Republic.

“Nakul really enjoys playing and would like to progress further.”