CRICKLADE'S Laura Halford was crowned all-around senior rhythmic gymnastics British champion for a fifth time at the weekend.

Halford, who is now based out of Llanelli Rhythmic Academy and won silver in the hoop routine at the Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier this year, clinched the 2018 title with a score of 57.700 at the International Centre in Telford.

She told British Gymnastics: “It feels amazing. It was a bit of a struggle this weekend.

"After the Commonwealths I had a holiday, so it was a bit of a rush to get ready for this competition but I am happy that I managed to do it in the end. It’s been amazing actually (competing in Telford) having competed previously at the Echo Arena (in Liverpool) I didn’t know what to expect but they’ve done a really great job it’s a really nice atmosphere.”

Halford, 22, also took the clubs title with a score of 16.700, was second in the ribbon and hoop disciplines and third in the ball.

Hers was not the only Wiltshire success at the championships as Eirlys Jones took the U11 British title as well as sweeping the board in all three individual events - winning gold in ball, clubs and free.

Coached by Deb Hows at Swindon's Esprit club, Jones - who lives Hankerton near Malmesbury and goes to Minety Primary School - is also a member of the Welsh squad and trains every weekend with Halford in Cardiff.

In the senior groups event, Team Bath took the all-around title with 21.800 after a stunning hoop routine, with Swindon's Esprit Rhythmic team of Katy Coleman, Hannah Dagg, Georgette Jeapes, Madison Kennelly and Miriam Rodrigues bagging silver with 20.200.