"The race felt really good, it's a nice course with a good mix. When the break group got away early on I was a bit concerned so after I heard the gap was a minute I knew I had to make a move and once I was on my own I felt good."

England South captain Paige Nelmes proved her Sainsbury's UK School Games pedigree as she led by example on the volleyball court and reached the top step of the podium for a third successive year on the final day of action in the north east.

The 16-year-old from Dorset had left with gold in 2008 and 2009 and made it a hat-trick with a straight sets victory over England North winning 25-14 and 25-11 at Northumbria University.

And Nelmes insisted the feeling was just as good this year around, if not better, as she waves goodbye to the UK School Games on the ultimate high.

"I am absolutely delighted to have gold because there was a bit of pressure on us after having won it twice before but to do it again means I am ecstatic." she said.

"This is my third gold medal but if anything I think this one means a bit more to me because it is my last year at this great competition.
"I am really proud to be captain of such a great side and I hope they can still win things without me."

Meanwhile in the pool swimming sensation Amelia Maughan continued to dominate proceedings - adding another three golds to the two she collected yesterday.

The 14-year-old starlet stormed to victory in the 100m freestyle and then helped her England South team to the top of the podium in the 800m team freestyle and 400m intermediate medley.

Maughan bagged an amazing five gold medals over the weekend at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre and the teenager admitted she had to battle through the pain barrier to stay on top.

"I am very pleased with my performance this weekend it has been brilliant and I expected to get medals but I have surprised myself with getting all five," Maughan said.

"The races were tough though and I didn't think I had an easy race in there but I battled - despite the fatigue - and managed to come through and I am delighted.

"The facilities and the crowd here are amazing - you can really feel it in the water and it spurs you on even more and winning here feels brilliant."

Elsewhere, Scotland celebrated victories in the judo with Scott Imrie and Alison Wilson winning the men's under-81kg and women's under-70kg respectively.