Golden day for Team GB in Beijing

On a day dubbed "the great haul of China", Team GB bagged four gold medals, one silver and four bronzes in its best medal return since 1908.

Swimmer Rebecca Adlington got the gold rush under way with a world record in the 800m freestyle before Britain's rowers summoned a stirring comeback to clinch first-place in the coxless four.

Jubilation continued as cyclists Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy both won their races at the Laoshan Velodrome within half an hour of each other.

Simon Clegg, the British team's Chef de Mission, described the achievements as "fantastic". He said the results raised expectations for London 2012: "It has been quite outstanding. TThere is a whole buzz around the village and we are confident we can build on this success and take Team GB to further success."

Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said Britain should be proud, adding: "This has been an extraordinary day of achievement by our athletes in Beijing."

The 19-year-old Adlington, from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, who won the 400m freestyle earlier in the week, is the most successful British swimmer since Henry Taylor won three gold medals in the London Games in 1908.

She added: "I have not really been able to think about it, it has been such a whirlwind and I just need to sit down and take it all in."

The day was equally historic for Hoy, 32, who became Scotland's most successful Olympian after winning his second gold at the games.

The crew of Steve Williams, Andy Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed and Tom James came from nearly a length behind the Australians to secure Britain's third consecutive title in the rowing event with a dramatic sprint to the line.