PARTICK Thistle are enjoying life back in the top flight of Scottish football - and now the club's newly-formed ladies' team hopes to emulate the first team's success.

The Glasgow club will enter its Partick Thistle Ladies side into the Scottish Women's Second Division West from March.

Starting at the bottom, the team hopes to make its way up through the leagues to eventually take on the likes Celtic and Rangers in the Premier Division.

The squad train at Firhill Complex in Maryhill, where they will also play home games when the season starts.

Defender Diane Scott, 24, has been part of the squad since it launched two years ago and she can't wait to get started with the competitive action.

She said: "We started training sessions a few years ago and the girls enjoyed it so much that they decided they wanted to test themselves against other teams.

"The players all feel they have progressed in their technical ability in that time and we want to put that to the test. We had a trial match where around 24 girls were involved but we're always looking to welcome new people along,

"There are a few who have never played football before and a few others who have some experience. Whatever level you're at, we'd love to have more players come down to try it out."

Diane works part time for the Partick Thistle Community Trust, which runs a number of projects in and around Maryhill.

She said: "I do some communications work and admin for the Trust.The projects the Trust works on includes things like after schools football and enabled football sessions for people with learning difficulties.

"There is a lot of good work being done by the Trust and the Ladies' team is another good example.

"Hopefully we can get our name out there and attract new players and maybe even fans to come watch us play."

The club will run two ladies' coaching sessions a week, one which is open to all and another for the team only.

Barry McLelland is director of the Partick Thistle Community Trust.

He said: "The progression has been great to see and it's at the stage now where we have a session for the team every week and also an open session on Tuesday for anyone to come along and try football, whatever their level of experience.

"There's a real desire among the squad to play competitive football and hopefully move up the leagues and eventually reach the Premier Division.

"It has been a work in progress for a few years but the Trust is in a place now where we can take this forward and things are looking good for the club."

The team will play on a Sunday and fans of Partick Thistle will be welcome to take in the ladies' games too.

The open training sessions are held at 5.30pm on Tuesdays at Firhill Complex. For more information, visit www.community.ptfc.co.uk and click on 'Girls' Football'.