It is not an image you would expect from people who play the quiet, tense and highly concentrated game of chess.

Whereas most chess clubs turn out for matches in a shirt and trousers, or smart casual wear, members of the Wild West Riding Outlaws play in black leather and cowboy gear.

Based at the Dog and Gun pub in Apperley Bridge, the club was promoted last season from division three of the Bradford and District Chess Association Chess League which is sponsored by Stylo.

The club also scooped three cups last season, including the Hepolite Cup which team boss Charles Wood likened to "Barnet winning the FA Cup."

"We are the first third division side to win the Hepolite Cup in 150 years," said Mr Wood. "It is a phenomenal cup and very difficult to win."

The cup has been dominated by two teams over the last 15 years - Undercliffe A and Bradford A - and Mr Wood says he is sure the unique style of clothing worn by his team has helped fuel their success.

He said: "For some of our games there has been a cowboy scene involved and we do turn up in leather clad outfits for every match. You could say we are sad individuals but it gives us that individuality and team spirit. We even turned up once all dressed as Clint Eastwood!

Charles said the club had brought in "some really big guns to play.

Former World Under 18 champion Nick Pert travelled from the University of Warwick to join twin brother Richard in spearheading the Hotspurs to take the Hepolite Cup. Mr Pert is the first grand master - the highest accolade in the sport - to play cup chess in Bradford.

"We also asked grand master Bogdan Lalic, international master Angus Dunnington and world number 4 Michael Adams," said Charles. "And who knows what might have happened had Gary Kasparov returned my call?"

Charles and friend Tack McGrath, pictured trying to stare each other out before a game, help run the club and came up with the zany idea of wearing leather for matches. They also got the club sponsored by London architects Hugo Tugman and Associates.

Charles said: "We help set up games and get sponsorship. We are both leather clad rockers. All the club members get on well and our appearance for games shows this."

To add to the eccentricity of it all the club, which was formed last year, plays under the name of the Renegade Hotspurs when taking part in competitive competition.

"We have tried to set up the team around junior members. You only need six people to play in a game and we have 37 members at present," said Charles.

"We are definitely one of the strongest clubs in Bradford and have the highest amount of titled players in Bradford."

Charles is enthusiastic about the Bradford league.

He said: "Players come from every strip of land in the West Riding and further afield to play. The appeal to play in Bradford is great. The city has a diverse culture and so does the chess league.

"There is a Latvian club and a Polish club - people from many different nationalities play in Bradford. It's a very communal chess league."