LAURA HALFORD made it a hat-trick of victories at the Welsh Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships when lifting the senior title for the third year in a row at the iconic Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.

Nineteen-year-old Halford, from Cricklade, who trains with coach Deb Hows at the Esprit Club in Swindon, took the gold medal (59.900) in the All-Around competition with a score of 59.900.

That left her clear of 17-year-old Gemma Frizelle (58.767) of Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

Laura also took individual gold medals in the ball and ribbon, along with silvers in the other two disciplines, club and hoops.

She will now prepare to win a third straight British Championship next month.

Halford burst on to the world stage when part of the successful Welsh team at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.

She returned with three medals – a team bronze and individual silvers in the all-around competition and the ball.

Head of Performance and Excellence for Welsh Gymnastics, Jo Coombs, said: “There were pleasing performances across the weekend from all of our Welsh gymnasts.

“The competition gave the opportunity to evaluate routines, as they continue in their training towards the British Championships.”