Chess competitor and Chester local, Thalia Holmes, has now reached the semi-finals of a new BBC Two series.

One of just six players left, the student is set to face child prodigy, Bodhana Sivanandan, in her toughest challenge yet.

Hosted by Sue Perkins, 'Chess Masters: The Endgame' is a high-stakes chess contest, following twelve chess rising stars.

Across eight episodes, players from all backgrounds have been battling it out in hopes to be crowned Chess Champion.

On last night's episode (14 April), Deema Khunda lost out on the final spot in the semi-finals.

Having first represented England aged ten, Thalia Holmes has competed against eleven other players to make it to the finals.

Highlighting common perceptions of chess as 'an old man's game', she wants to challenge stereotypes surrounding the game.

"I think if you looked at me and saw my piercings and coloured split hair, you'd not instantly go, yeah, that's a chess player," said Thalia.

For the Chester local, the chance to make chess history is a real possibility, as she said: "If I won it would be the crowning achievement of my chess story.

"The first person to win a TV chess competition in about 30 years - that would just be insane.

"It would show that anyone can play chess and be good at it."

The next episode of 'Chess Masters: The Endgame' will air on 21 April at 8pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.

If you are interested in one-on-one chess lessons, check out Thalia's website for prices and availability.

For any younger chess fans, Chester Junior Chess Club opened it's doors for the first time last month at the Saughall Arms on Sunday from 12-2pm.