BILLINGE-BORN judo ace Chris Sherrington roared out the Flower of Scotland on the podium after taking gold in the 100kg plus category at the Commonwealth Games.

The 30-year-old Royal Marine Commando triumphed over South African Ruan Snyman.

Sherrington, who lives in Broxburn, West Lothian and married Scottish bride Zoe Redhead in 2011, beamed with delight as he collected his medal.

He told the Scotsman newspaper: “Commonwealth Games champion has a nice ring to it.

“I enjoyed being on the podium for Flower of Scotland but I’ve got my own beautiful flower, from Scotland, here – my wife Zoe.

“The crowd tonight have been spectacular. They could have put us in a bigger hall and sold more tickets but this is better.

“The fans could smell our sweat. It was like they were in the battle with us.

“You don’t choose where you were born but you do choose where you live and who you compete for.

“I compete for Scotland and look what we’ve managed to do.”