GWENT'S Manchester 2002 gold medal heroes admitted last night they are privileged to be part of Wales' most successful Commonwealth Games team.

Before this year's spectacle, Wales' best haul was at Edinburgh 1986 when they scooped 24 medals - seven gold, five silver and 12 bronze.

Even though the Welsh have won only four golds here, Wales' total medal count stands at 31 - four golds, 15 silver and 12 bronze - more than doubling the haul from Kuala Lumpur in 1998 when they won 15 medals.

But with India's huge medal total of 72, Wales have slipped down one place to eighth in the all-time Games medal table with 213 medals - 49 gold, 70 silver and 94 bronze.

And boxer Jamie Arthur, pictured, and sharp shooter Ceri Dallimore, Cwmbran's gold medal pair, love their involvement in Team Wales.

Still beaming after his final win against Zambian Dennis Zimba on Saturday night, 22-year-old lightweight Arthur smiled: "I'm honoured to be part of this record-breaking team."

And Dallimore, who with Cardiff's Johanne Brekke won gold in the 50 metre rifle prone pairs event at Bisley's National Shooting Centre, said her superb achievement was just sinking in.

"The Welsh team, in shooting and as a whole, has been fantastic this year," said the 28-year-old from Henllys.

"We have really exceeded everyone's expectations and I'm proud to be part of Team Wales."

Fairwater-based Arthur, of Coed Eva Boxing Club, beat the tough and much-fancied Zimba 37-35 to become the first Welsh boxer since Howard Winstone in 1954 to win a Games title.

He added: "My win still hasn't sunk in. I think I have shocked myself let alone anyone else.

"Manchester 2002 was amazing. The close-knit spirit of the Welsh squad and the atmosphere among our athletes helped us tremendously towards our great success here."