AN ARDROSSAN table tennis star is one of five British athletes competing in the European Para Youth Games which get under way this week.

Ryan Henry is part of the British Para Table Tennis team heading out to Pajulahti in Finland for the Games, taking place from tomorrow (Thursday, June 30) until Sunday (July 3).

First held in 2011 in the Czech Republic, the European Para Youth Games is an international multi-sport competition for athletes with a disability that is designed to help develop the Paralympic movement.

The Games are seen by many as one of the first steps for new athletes on their journey to a professional sporting career, and a significant number of athletes who have taken part in the Games have gone on to represent their country at other international events.

Table tennis is one of eight sports featured this year and is open to athletes from the age of 12-23.

READ MORE: Ardrossan table tennis star brings double bronze home from Mexico

Ryan, 22, won bronze in the men’s class 8 singles and bronze in the men’s class 18 doubles at the Copa Cristina Hoffmann in Mexico earlier this month.

“I’m excited to play in the European Para Youth Games,” he said.

“This is the first time I’ve competed in an event like this and I’m looking forward to the experience.

"I am just hoping to play as well as I can, take one point at a time and see how far I can go.”

Ryan will compete alongside Grace Williams, Theo Bishop, Joseph Crouse and Shae Thakker in the sixth European Para Youth Games.

Follow the British Para Table Tennis Team on Twitter @BritishParaTT for live updates from the event.