7 August 2012 Last updated at 02:55 ET

Mayor says Beth Tweddle bronze is testament to 'hard graft'

Beth Tweddle is the most decorated British gymnast in history

Olympic bronze-winning gymnast Beth Tweddle is "living proof that hard work and determination can make you one of the best", Liverpool's mayor said.

Tweddle, a member of City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club, won bronze on the uneven bars at London 2012 on Monday.

Elected mayor Joe Anderson said Tweddle, the most decorated British gymnast in history, had turned "hard graft" into sporting success.

Lord mayor Sharon Sullivan added that she was a "true inspiration".

After beginning her career at Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club, the gymnast moved to the Liverpool club in 1997 and trains at a gym in Toxteth.

She graduated from the city's John Moores University in 2007.

Mr Anderson said he was "thrilled, proud and delighted for her".

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"Beth is living proof that hard work and determination can make you one of the best in the world," he said.

"Her hard graft and thousands of hours of gruelling training has taken her from Park Road Lifestyles (gym) to the pinnacle of sporting success.

"She has encouraged a whole new generation of young people to take up gymnastics and that is something she should be tremendously proud of."

Ms Sullivan, the city's lord mayor, said Tweddle had "completely transformed the image and reputation of British gymnastics during her incredible career".

"She has proved to be a fantastic ambassador for the sport and our city," she said.

"There is no greater honour than to represent your country on the world stage and it is great that a City of Liverpool gymnast is coming home with a medal.

"The whole city is so proud of her for achieving Olympic success."