YORK swimmer James Wilby today won a surprise gold in the 200 metres breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The Strensall star, a former member of York City Baths Club, denied Scotland's Ross Murdoch the chance to defend his crown as he beat his own personal best by two seconds.

Murdoch led the pack of eight swimmers at the halfway point at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, but Wilby stormed the final 25 metres to pip the Scot by 0.27 seconds.

Wilby, 24, said: "My mum's been there the whole time, I felt it was right to speak to her as soon as I could.

"I just wanted to make sure it was worth the trip out to Australia. I'm sure she's happy with that."

Australian Matt Wilson took the bronze.