WHILE many girls of her age busy themselves with My Little Ponies, Jana Briggs spends her spare time playing with horses and knights on a chessboard.

And at just eight, she is already on her way to becoming a chess grand master.

Jana, who lives in South Hill Park, Hampstead, started playing chess just two years ago and may be one of Britain's most talented young players. She won second prize in her age group in the national finals of the UK Chess Challenge.

The championship for children is held at the University of Nottingham and Jana was originally one of 35,000 children who competed in the event.

Jana has also been named outstanding girl player at the Hampstead junior chess club.

Chess first caught her interest when she was six and decided to play her brother at his own game.

Jack, who is now 12, was a member of the Hampstead junior chess club, which Jana then joined.

It is through the club that her talent emerged and where she achieved her first early wins.

Jana, who attends the American School in London, in Loudoun Road, St John's Wood, will next play in the Mind Sports Olympiad in London next month.

However, despite her success she has others plans for her future. "I'd like to be a model or a teacher," she said.