A SPORTS star is making a name for himself in the forces.

Royal Marine Ryan McKechnie from Weymouth has won the Royal Navy’s Under-25 squash title.

Having only joined up in February 2012, Ryan is proving to be a real rising star within Royal Navy squash.

Such was his talent that he was released from exercise at sea to take part in the Royal Navy Squash Championship.

And the former Budmouth College student ended the year with a successful accolade.

He said: “I got a text while deployed on Exercise Cougar 13 asking who was available, so I had a chat with my Colour Sergeant Major and my company very kindly agreed to fly me home to represent the Navy in the Combined Services championship.

“This is the first year I’ve competed in this particular championship – it was challenging but in the end I was really pleased to win the event and I’m now looking forward to a squash tour in Canada with the Royal Marines.”

Before he joined the Marines, the corps already had notice of his talent as a regular player at Weymouth Squash Club, owned by former Royal Marine Mark Long.

Warrant Officer Danny Egan (Royal Marines), Royal Navy Squash U-25 Manager, said: “Ryan is proving to be truly excellent ambassador for Royal Navy Squash, his attitude, tenacity and fitness are testament to his character and commitment and an example to all in any sport.”

Ryan, who has also excelled at football, passed out as a Marine last year. He was released to play in the Royal Navy Championships 2012 where he reached the final of the men’s open, only to be narrowly beaten in an exhilarating match.

He also played the number one seed in the Inter-Services Championships.

Since qualifying for regular duties, he has completed mountain training and been deployed on the Cougar exercise with J Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando Royal Marines which later also helped in the Philippines from HMS Illustrious.

In the future, he would like to become a Royal Marines physical training instructor.