A SCHOOLBOY aged seven has rolled into the record books after being crowned Inverclyde’s junior bowling champion.

Astyn McKechnie, a pupil at King’s Oak Primary, only took up the sport three months ago but he has already made history by becoming the first junior player in Victoria Bowling Club’s 120 year history to win the Greenock & District Young Bowlers Championship.

Astyn, who lives in Bridgend Road in Greenock, was ‘bowled’ over to lift the prestigious trophy in the competition played at Lady Alice Bowling Club.

He said: “I’ve been working hard and I practice a lot, about three times a week.

“I like bowls because I get to meet new people, I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Proud dad Mark says both himself and Astyn joined Victoria BC in May, while his grandad Franks Higgins is also a member.

He said: "I only put him into the competition for experience.

“He loves playing bowls and he’ll not give his nan peace, as he plays bowls in her back garden and also in the middle of the living room!”

Jim Harkness, secretary of the club, says Astyn has a very bright future in the sport.

He said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Astyn to win this competition.

“He only took up the sport earlier this year after watching his father join the club.

“When Astyn delivered his first bowl, people were saying ‘we could have something special here’.

“It’s an honour for the club because his name will now go on the club’s honours board and Astyn can’t wait to see it.”

Club member Archie Lambert says Astyn has got the potential to go far.

He said: “It’s a great achievement for him in such a short time - it’s brilliant.”

Dad Mark, who lives in Roxburgh Street, is keen to thank everyone at the club for their support, plus family and friends, including Astyn’s grandparents Margaret and Frank Higgins.

The club are keen to encourage more children to follow in Astyn’s footsteps and take up the sport.

For more information call the club on 723913.