Team GB rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning celebrate after their gold medal performance

BBC

Great Britain claimed their first gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics as rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning triumphed in the women's pair.

The world silver medallists clocked a time of 7:27.13 to also become the first British female rowers to win an Olympic title.

The medal ended Britain's four-day wait for a first gold medal.

Bradley Wiggins is hoping to secure Britain's second gold in the cycling time trial, which begins at 14:15.

Australia claimed silver and New Zealand the bronze in front of a capacity crowd at Eton Dorney.

Stanning, 27 and Glover, 26 were pipped for gold by New Zealand at last year's World Championships, but have since remained unbeaten, taking gold in all three World Cups this season.

They continued that form by setting an Olympic best in the first heat of the regatta on Saturday to confirm their place in the final.