AN inspiring Inverclyde athlete has told of her incredible hockey career - and how she scored her first international goal aged 66.

Jane Neil, who lives in Greenock, is set to represent Scotland at the World Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town later this year.

The 67-year-old currently plays for the Scottish ladies over-65s hockey squad, and has previously featured for Scotland's over-60s, over-55s and over-50s sides.

The right defender has travelled across the world to represent her country, playing in places like Barcelona and Hawaii.

Travelling the globe isn't the only perk provided by the sport - Jane also met her current partner Peter during a training match between the Scotland ladies over-60s team and the men's over-65s side.

Jane said: "I've played hockey since I was around 11, it's just always been a relaxation thing for me.

"It was something I could go and do without worrying about the family or work or anything like that.

"Eventually I became involved with the Scottish masters hockey association.

"Just by virtue of my age I've managed to keep playing through a lot of masters sections.

"I never got to travel before all this, I had three kids and I worked so it was all new to me.

"The camaraderie of the sport is wonderful."

Jane played up the pitch as a centre forward when she first picked up a hockey stick but has now moved further back into defence.

Despite that she was still able to notch her first ever international goal against England earlier this year.

In addition to weekly practices in Kinross with the Scotland squad, Jane also continues to play club hockey and feels privileged to still be able to take part in the sport she loves.

She added: "I've been very lucky to keep fit enough and I really enjoy playing.

"I have spinal stenosis, which gives me pain down the back of my legs, but I've decided not to give in to it.

"I've played club hockey for years and being part of this is a thrill.

"Playing every week for my club has helped keep me fairly match fit.

"The highlight of my hockey playing career is honestly the fact I can still play.

"It's wonderful to still be involved in the sport and to have met so many lovely people through it."