Jackson received a rapturous reception from the crowd More pictures from day three

The squad took seven medals, including two golds, as the final day's competition reached a dramatic conclusion.

In the dying moments of the championships Edwards saw his triple jump hopes dashed by a succession of incredible jumps from his rivals.

The USA's Walter Davis thought he had snatched gold when he nailed 17.35m in the last round, only for previous leader Christian Olsson to pull an incredible 17.70m out of the bag with his last effort.

Edwards, who went from second to fourth in the final round, was roared down the runway on his last attempt but could not improve on his earlier 17.19m.

Jackson ended his wonderful athletics career with a fifth place in the final of the 60m hurdles.

Allen Johnson was too good on the day for Jackson, who could not seal his retirement with the gold medal he so wanted.

"Colin is a great champion and still world record holder," said Johnson, who beat Anier Garcia into second. "All those titles, all those records - I just want to be like him!"

Jackson was in upbeat mood despite his defeat.

"It was a difficult time when you know it is your last time," he said. "All in all, I'm happy - I've had a wonderful career and it's great to make the world final.

Jackson bows out

"I enjoyed the whole thing. I've always wanted to end my career on my terms and I've done that. It's a shame I didn't finish with a medal but at least I'm in one piece."

Kelly Holmes took a brilliant silver in the 1500m behind world record holder Regina Jacobs.

Jacobs ran a championship record of 4mins 01.67secs but Holmes, in her first ever world indoors, showed great strength to chase her home in 4:02.66.

"I'm so happy with that," said Holmes. "I've had some good and bad runs this season.

"It was fast but I expected that - I knew Regina was in great shape but I was very aware of the tactics and had enough strength after training with Maria Mutola."

Washington ran magnificently to claim gold in the 400m

Tyree Washington of the USA broke the hearts of the Birmingham crowd by beating home-town favourite Daniel Caines into silver in the men's 400m.

Caines ran a personal best indoors but Washington led at the break and held off Caines' determined challenge on the final straight to take the title in 45.34secs.

1999 world indoor champion Jamie Baulch took joint bronze with Ireland's Paul McKee after the pair clocked identical times.

Caines, the defending champion, paid tribute to Washington.

"I was going quick, but even then he was a metre and a half up," he said. "With that time (45.53secs) I thought I would win.

"I won this title aged 21 so to get a silver at 23 seems like a backward step - but I did all I could today. I'm still young and I will have other opportunities."

A tearful Baulch struggled to contain his emotions after the race.

"This has been a tough week for me," he says. "I lost my best friend in a car crash on Tuesday and I dedicate this medal to him."

Caines and Baulch added to their medal tally when Britain's men's 4x400m relay team took bronze behind the Americans and Jamaicans.