Pavey led into the final sprint but gave way to Ochichi (right)

But England's women missed out on the medals elsewhere on the track with Marilyn Okoro finishing sixth, ahead of Jemma Simpson, in the 800m.

Susan Scott was fourth with a new Scottish record of 1:59.02 behind Maria Mutola of Mozambique who took bronze.

Jade Johnson, hampered by an ankle injury, was fifth in the long jump and Julie Pratt sixth in the 100m hurdles.

Johnson winced in pain after her third jump, clutching her left ankle as she left the sandpit.

I'm really thrilled with the silver - I'm lucky to be here Jo Pavey

But the 25-year-old continued to compete, leaping 6.55m on her fifth attempt in an event won by Australia's Bronwyn Thompson with 6.97m.

"It was definitely not my night," said Johnson. "I can't explain how disappointed I am, the language wouldn't be allowed.

"It's so irritating because I felt I was in much better shape. I don't go to championships not to get a medal. It's very, very disappointing."

Scotland's Gillian Cooke was the only other competitor from the home nations, finishing 11th with 6.14m.

There was also disappointment for two-time defending 800m champion Mutola, who finished third as Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya won in one minute 57.88 seconds, while Jamaican Kenia Sinclair clinched silver.

Johnson was troubled by an ankle injury during the long jump final

But Pavey ensured the evening ended on a bright note for England with her plucky performance in the 5,000m.

The 32-year-old from Exeter, fifth in the Olympics in Athens, took the lead with two and a half laps to go but eventually had to give way to Ochichi in the sprint to the line.

Pavey, whose team-mate Natalie Harvey finished ninth, said: "I'm really thrilled with the silver. I'm lucky to be here.

"I had three months off (because of a virus) doing no exercise after Helsinki (World Championships) and it's been a real battle to get here."

Despite missing out on medals, Simpson and Okoro were both pleased with their performances in the 800m.

Simpson, from Pogooth in Cornwall, knocked more than half a second of her personal best to clock 2:01.11, while Bath student Okoro finished in 2:01.65 in her first major event.