WILLIAM TINNING and BRIAN DONNELLY

It was party time at Galaban, the home of Annan Athletic, last night as the club were admitted to the Scottish Football League after winning a vote to replace near neighbours Gretna.

Corks were popped and glasses were raised in the Royal Burgh of Annan after the East of Scotland League team beat off competition from Cove Rangers, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Spartans to be elected to the Scottish Third Division.

Annan's election to the higher ranks, which followed a vote by the 29 clubs in the Scottish Football League, was widely welcomed by local politicians and fans.

It came at the expense of Gretna, whose home ground was just seven miles away, who went bust this summer after spending just six years in the Scottish professional ranks.

Annan chairman Henry McLelland said he was confident his club would make it a long-term stay in the SFL.

Lord Wallace, former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party, who is one of Annan's most famous sons, led tributes to his home town club's achievement last night.

He said: "I was delighted to hear the news. I know it has been a long-term aspiration of the club."

David Mundell, Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale, said: "This is fantastic news, not just for the club but for the whole area.

"After the sad demise of Gretna, it was only right that league football, which was a success in this area, be restored. I will be putting down a motion at Westminster congratulating Annan Athletic on their achievement."

Russell Brown, Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway, who was born and brought up in Annan, and still lives within 300 yards of the club where he played for half a season as a youth, said: "All credit to everyone associated with the club who have worked so hard over many years to get to this stage. It is great news for the area."