Dereham shooter Michael Gault made Commonwealth Games history today when he won bronze for England in the 10-metre air pistol event.

The 60-year-old grandfather, competing in his sixth Games, equalled the record for Commonwealth medals in any sport by bagging an astonishing 18th podium place.

Gault came out of retirement in a bid to break the record held by another shooter, Phillip Adams.

He has now moved level with the Australian, who has long since retired, and could move out on his own as the most decorated Commonwealth athlete in history with a 19th medal in the 50m event on Monday.

Gault was actually leading after 13 shots but a wayward 14th saw him slip down to fourth.

However, he regrouped to climb back into bronze medal position behind Daniel Repacholi of Australia, who took gold, and Indian silver medallist Prakash Nanjappa.

Gault's England team-mate Stewart Nangle, 48, from Wokingham, finished fifth.

'It's what I wanted, I've made history, I think it's job done now and I can put my feet up,' said a delighted Gault afterwards.

'It was unfinished business. I've got a chance of one more medal but let's just see what happens there.

'I've got free pistol to do but that's a bonus. I can do some chillaxing in that match. I'm an all-time record holder at the Commonwealth Games, or at least level with some old Australian chap!'

Gault comes across as a laid-back character but his celebration at the end illustrated what his achievement meant to him.

'Inside this body is a coiled spring,' he smiled. 'That was everything. Now it's family time.

'It was really cool. I'm going to have a pint of shandy, and maybe a brandy. But then an early night - it's training tomorrow.'