A NORTH-EAST university has celebrated the homecoming of two of its Commonwealth heroes who won medals Down Under.

Jade Jones-Hall and Harry Tanfield have returned to Teesside after a successful trip to Australia’s Gold Coast to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Ms Jones-Hall, 22 and a final year-law student, claimed gold for England in the para-triathlon after a dominant display and went on to achieve bronze in the women’s T54 marathon.

Mr Tanfield, 23 who is studying for a master’s in civil and structural engineering, won silver for England in the men’s individual time trial, finishing 30 seconds behind Australia’s Cameron Mayer.

The pair were formally congratulated by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Simpson in front of a crowd of staff and students in The Gym on the University campus.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of both Jade and Harry for their achievements and for also representing Teesside on the world stage.

“They have done a fantastic job and it is a testament to them as athletes. We were delighted to welcome them back to the University and formally congratulate them on their success.”

Ms Jones-Hall is no stranger to international competitions, having competed at the Paralympic Games in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, but was both surprised and delighted to be asked to be the closing ceremony flag-bearer for Team England.

“To be the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony was amazing – I didn’t expect it and it was an absolute honour,” she said.

“I was one of the first disabled athletes to do that for Team England which was incredible.

"It was really exciting to represent not only England but Teesside – I have had amazing support in particular from Teesside.”

It was the first time Mr Tanfield had represented his country and for him the experience was an unforgettable one.

“It was fantastic to represent England for the first time. I have been overwhelmed by support from everyone,” he said.

Although they have only recently arrived home, there is no rest for the pair as Ms Jones-Hall went straight on to race in the London Marathon and Mr Tanfield is preparing for the Klondike Grand Prix cycle road race on Sunday.

The pair are members of the University’s elite athlete scheme and they received support from Sport and Wellbeing in the run up to the games.

The scheme provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to athletes at international level or with exceptional potential.