Gamers compete in Uckers World Championships

Board game enthusiasts gathered in a historic naval city to take part in the world championships of a game invented by British sailors in the 18th Century.

Fifty-six people took part in the Uckers World Championships at Portsmouth's Royal Maritime Hotel on Saturday.

Described as "a supercharged version of Ludo", Uckers has been played by members of the Royal Navy for more than a century as a way to pass the time on mess decks.

Singles and doubles competitions were held, with anyone able to enter.

"It's played by young and old right across the Navy family," said competitor Kate Aldous.

Fellow player Mia described Uckers as a game of "chance and luck", similar to Ludo and Frustration.