Team England have won the first ever Commonwealth gold medals in the para-triathlon courtesy of success in both the men's and women's events on the Gold Coast this morning.

Joseph Townsend overcame a poor start to write his name in the history books as the event made its debut in the Games, emerging from the swimming leg in fifth place but storming back on the bike.

The 29-year-old was the fastest in each lap during the cycling stage to recover a deficit of four minutes and 22 seconds following the swim, eventually entering the run in front.

Townsend held off the challenge of home favourites Nic Beveridge and Bill Chaffey as Australia claimed silver and bronze, with England's Mark Conway crossing the line in fourth.

There was also a comfortable win for England in the women's event as Jade Jones - who won athletics bronze in Glasgow four years ago - also beat two Australians on her way to the historic gold.

Bronze medallist Lauren Parker led for the majority of the race, but began to tire on the run and was overtaken by both Jones and world number one Emily Tapp, who picked up silver.

Jones finished one minute and 49 seconds clear of Tapp in the end, but fellow Englishwoman Lizzie Tench could only manage a fifth-placed finish, one spot behind Scotland's Karen Darke.