THE proud family of Newport relay star Mica Moore said they are still pinching themselves that she is representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games.

Miss Moore's mother Lolita Byfield-Moore said the family will be travelling up to Glasgow to cheer on the 21-year-old as she competes in the women's 4 x 100m relay on August 1.

Yesterday's opening ceremony officially launched the games which will see sports stars from across the Commonwealth compete for 11 days.

Mrs Byfield-Moore said: "It's absolutely amazing. We're still pinching ourselves that this is actually happening.

"My husband Lawrence was in Portugal [where Miss Moore has been training] as well as he's her coach so we're in such a unique, privileged position. Not a lot of parents can give that depth of support. The coach-daughter relationship, it's absolutely fantastic. I'm here [in Newport] just keeping things going."

Miss Moore, a former Bassaleg School pupil, flew from Portugal to Glasgow on Tuesday ready for the opening ceremony.

Mrs Byfield-Moore added: "Looking at Mica from when she started running seven years ago to now, she looks like an athlete. Being able to be part of her journey is just amazing. We are so proud."

Miss Moore's grandparents Nigel and Barbara Moore will be joining her mother in the stands during the heats and will be watching the final if Wales make it through.

Mrs Byfield-Moore, a champion veteran sprinter herself, added: "My father-in-law and mother-in-law have been a huge support since Mica was born, they've helped to baby-sit and have gone along to all her athletic meetings.

"Lawrence's dad will sit there and analyse the seconds and how well she's done.

"We won't be able to get anywhere near her but I think she's running third leg and she'll have a kind of sense that we're there."

Miss Moore, who runs for Birchfield Harriers and Cardiff Met University, will be taking on the women's relay heats with fellow athletes Hannah Thomas, Hannah Brier, Rachel Johncock and Lucy Evans.

Mrs Byfield-Moore added: "Mica has always been focused on her athletics. Probably, in her mind, she never thought she would get there. She probably still can't believe it herself. It's been a long time coming.

"I know she's my daughter but she's probably the nicest person I know, she's so honest and works so hard."