John Jolliff would love to see draughts find a new lease of life in Cornwall after he became the English Draughts Association Match Championship winner at the age of 85, writes Kevin Marriott.

John, from Pelynt, lifted the trophy after beating Nottingham’s Brian Lucas, who had been the champion for the past eight years.

It is the first time the trophy has been in the hands of a player from Cornwall.

But John said: ‘Draughts in Cornwall is not so popular these days but internationally it is thriving and it would be nice to see a revival down here.’

John, who keeps his hand in with weekly games against a couple of friends in the South East Cornwall area, was a founder member of Liskeard Draughts Club in 1972, which folded a few years ago.

He said: ‘When we started there were more than 60 players but we were down to a handful and unfortunately the club closed.’

Anybody interested in taking up draughts can contact John on 01503 220548 – and he gives hope to any newcomers.

He said: ‘I’ve played since I was eight – and it took me two years before I won a game in any competition. So never give up.’