LAURA Halford was holding back the tears after she and teammates Francesca Jones and Nikara Jenkins made history by winning Wales' first ever Commonwealth Games team medal in Glasgow.

The trio finished behind hot favourites Canada as they claimed silver while, in her first major event, Halford also qualified for the hoop, ball, ribbon and all-around finals on Saturday.

"It feels amazing. We've worked so hard and all of the hard work has paid off," Cricklade gymnast Halford said.

"I'm so pleased and want to cry all of the time because I'm so happy and it's such an amazing experience. It's my first Commonwealth Games and to get a silver medal is amazing.

"Actually it's my first major tournament. I've never done a competition this big before so to get a silver medal is amazing."

Halford also paid tribute to Jones, who at only five years her senior is a veteran in gymnastics terms.

"Franky has helped us through training every day. She's been through it all before so if we're having a day in the gym she knows how to help us and she's helping us through the competition. She's such an inspiring person to train with," Halford added.

"Franky has never been with a team before so to have a team this time is amazing."

Halford's teammate at Esprit in Swindon, England's Stephani Sherlock helped England into fourth place, while Sherlock qualified for the all-around, hoop and ball finals.

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