A PENARTH resident has been crowned the second best veteran pole vaulter in the world.

Glyn Price, of Plassey Square, won silver in the pole vault at the World Masters Athletic Championships in Australia.

The 50-year-old is already European champion having previously won gold in Lyon.

Mr Price, who works at Aberthaw Power Station, is totally self funded and drives himself to competitions around the UK and in Europe.

In between his 12 hour shifts, Mr Price still finds time to train hard for his competitions.

His son-in-law, Luke Harrison, said the family are "so proud" of his achievements.

"Glyn is really dedicated and he is a hero to us," he said.

"We are all really proud of him."

Mr Price also finds time to train young aspiring athletes free of charge.

Mr Harrison added: "It's not about the money for him it's about his love of the sport and he has had to work really hard to get to where he is

"He is such a selfless and humble man and has proven you are never too old to achieve something if you look after yourself.

"He drove to Lyon with the poles on top of his car and said the result could have been different in Australia if he had had his poles.

"He's a real unsung hero."

It has not all been smooth sailing though as Mr Price has suffered a number of injury setbacks, including a hamstring injury during the world championships, which involves qualifying through local, regional and European stages.