WALES' Sports Minister and AM for Newport East has praised the Team Wales performance at the Commonwealth Games as the "best ever".

John Griffiths, who attended the opening ceremony in Glasgow, said: “It is testament to the professionalism and commitment of Team Wales that they’ve managed to do so well despite some early setbacks. I saw that commitment and spirit at first hand when I visited the Games, met some of the athletes and watched them perform. The desire of those competing, their coaches, managers and all the support staff making up Team Wales, was matched by their hard work and dedication to producing the best possible performance.

"This has been the best ever Commonwealth Games for Wales and to see Team Wales smash their medal target by nine medals to surpass their previous best set in Manchester in 2002 is wonderful."

During his two-day visit, Mr Griffiths watched a number of events including rhythmic gymnastics, where a certain 23-year-old with connections in Pontypool caught his eye.

“Frankie Jones winning the prestigious David Dixon Award was a special highlight for me," he added. "To be honoured as the outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games for both her record breaking performance and her fair play, and overall contribution to Team Wales and the Games is testament to Frankie’s skill, commitment, modesty and leadership.”