MIDDLESBROUGH para-athlete Jade Jones capped off her remarkable Commonweath Games by being chosen to represent Team England in the closing ceremony.

Ms Jones claimed bronze in the T54 marathon just a week after becoming England’s first ever female para-triathlon Commonwealth Champion.

In honour of her achievements, she was picked to carry the flag to close out Team England’s most successful ever performance in Australia, with 45 gold, 45 silver and 46 bronze medals won.

Yesterday’s closing ceremony also saw the start of the countdown to Team England’s home Games in Birmingham in 2022.

Ms Jones said she did not expect to receive the flag-bearing honour but was delighted her hard work paid off with her medal haul.

She added: “I have enjoyed how the Games have been completely integrated between para and non para sport, it is something I have been pushing for.

“I love how it isn’t about the disability but it is about the sport and for me, that’s is what it is all about.”

Ms Jones said the closing ceremony saw the streets around the stadium lined with people congratulating the athletes on their achievements.

Athletics Team Leader Martin Rush said Ms Jones was a worthy representative for the country “At these Games, Jade has exemplified how different sports can compete together as one team and has achieved an incredible level of performance across both of her disciplines,” he said.

Triathlons Team Leader Ian Pyper added: “There were so many athletes worthy of this honour and for Jade to be selected is brilliant both for her and the sport.”

Team England Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless said the Games had produced “standout performances” for Team England and she praised Ms Jones as a “phenomenal” athlete.