THIS year’s winners of the Marie Curie Bridge Tournament hail from the Isle of Wight — a first.

Alexis Dogilewski and Anne Grevatt, of Bembridge, beat off strong competition from more than 2,000 players nationwide to win the tournament.

Isle of Wight County Press: Island bridge winner, Alexis Dogilewski.Island bridge winner, Alexis Dogilewski.

The tournament is played annually throughout the winter months, starting in September and finishing in March.

The aim of the event — which has run for more than 25 years — is to raise funds for Marie Curie and has amassed more than £1million for the cancer charity.

Isle of Wight County Press: Anne Grevatt, who won the annual Marie Curie Bridge Tournament.Anne Grevatt, who won the annual Marie Curie Bridge Tournament.

The tournament, which offers rubber bridge and Chicago, sees players divided into groups of six couples, with each pair up against the other pairs in a round-robin group format, with all games played at home.

With such a healthy number of players on the Island, organisers encourage more to take part in the next one.

For more details and entry forms, telephone Diana Thompson on 01371-872246 or email dianathompson113@btinternet.com

Isle of Wight County Press: Chess player, John Wrench, playing an online league match in lockdown.Chess player, John Wrench, playing an online league match in lockdown.

The IW Chess Club has switched to an online format of the West Midlands Area League since the C-19 outbreak.

The Island team beat Worcester 2 by 3-1 to move to the top of Division 2.

Isle of Wight County Press: A chess match online in progress for the Isle of Wight Chess Club.A chess match online in progress for the Isle of Wight Chess Club.