Greenock schoolboy crowned a bowling champion for third year in a row

Nine-year-old Astyn McKechnie is on a roll after winning the Greenock and District Bowling Association title for his age group for the third consecutive year.

Astyn, who is the star player at Victoria Bowling Club, says his dream is to play bowls for Scotland when he's older.

He said: "I love bowls because I've met new friends.

"I practice in the house in my bedroom or the living room.

"I'd like to be a professional bowler when I'm older.

"I want to play for Scotland and play against other professionals."

Astyn's proud dad Mark McKechnie says that as well as being the Greenock and District Association's under 10 champion, he has also been selected to play for the Renfrewshire Bowling Association's under-25 squad and was recently the runner-up at the Aulds Cup played at Gourock Park Bowling Club.

Mark, who is also a keen bowler, said: "It's phenomenal that he's going out and playing against guys who have been playing for years - he has no fear.

"He's giving adult members of this club a run for their money.

"He would play bowls morning, noon and night if he had the chance - he loves it.

"Since he's started playing he's become a lot more confident."

Astyn's mum Gillian Higgins says he is making great progress with his game.

She said: "He's amazing, he's just getting better and better.

"When you see him playing older people, he just plays so well for his age.

"It's as if you're watching two adults playing.

"He's phenomenal for his age.

"I'm so proud of him."

Jim Harkness, club secretary at Victoria BC, believes the youngster is destined for great things.

He said: "Astyn is coming on leaps and bounds since he took the sport up three seasons ago.

"At that time I thought he was going to be something special and it's just starting to come to fruition.

"I'm sure Astyn is going to go from strength to strength.

"He's got no fear and is learning more and more.

"If he keeps going I have no doubt that he'll be a Scottish international."