Phillips Idowu's first round effort of 17.45m secured England gold in the triple jump.

Idowu, who took silver behind Jonathan Edwards in Manchester in 2002, easily held on to claim the gold with South Africa's Khotso Mokoena half a metre behind in second.

Australia's Alwyn Jones took bronze with 16.75m.

The 27-year-old had a disappointing Olympics when he failed to register a valid jump.

"It was emotional out there," said Idowu.

"The last two years have been a struggle. All the work I've done has paid off. I've got my medal and I hope it's the start of many things to come."

England's women then took advantage of a dreadful blunder by Jamaica to storm to gold in the 4x400m relay.

The Jamaicans were well clear after the second leg but contrived to drop the baton and leave England well in front after solid runs from Wall - fresh from her earlier relay silver - and hurdles specialist Nicola Sanders.

Natasha Danvers-Smith - who took silver in the 400m hurdles - maintained the lead and individual gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu safely brought the baton home ahead of Australia with India taking the bronze.