Beth Tweddle walking unaided following 'The Jump' neck injury

Britain's most successful gymnast Beth Tweddle has begun walking unaided following neck surgery after injuring herself during training for TV reality show 'The Jump'.

Tweddle had surgery to fuse together two fractured vertebrae in her neck after crashing while preparing for the Channel 4 show last Saturday.

The three-time world gymnastics champion and London 2012 bronze medallist began walking with assistance after a few days and is now starting to do so by herself.

The 30-year-old said in a statement: "The medical staff here in Austria have been fantastic and I couldn't have wished for better people to be around me at this time.

"I've started to feel a lot better in the past 24 hours and I've begun walking by myself.

"The doctors are happy with my progress and next week we will have a better idea of when I can be discharged from hospital.

"Thank you to everyone that has sent me get well messages.

"My Mum and Dad have been reading them to me and, one day, I'll be able to reply to you all, it really has meant a lot to me, so thank you."

In addition to her three world titles and Olympic medal, Tweddle has also won six European gymnastics titles and one Commonwealth Games gold.