Gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson now lives on Teesside

Tanni Grey-Thompson, who was made a dame in the New Year's Honours, is originally from Wales, but she now lives in Redcar.

One of Britain's top paralympic athletes, she collected her 11th gold medal at Athens in 2004.

The award is in recognition of her sporting achievements, and her contribution to the local community.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council made the decision to award her the honour while she was competing in Athens, and it was presented during a ceremony on Tuesday.

Ms Grey-Thompson said: "I've been living up here for quite a few years now, so this is really special.

"I think it gives me the rights to graze sheep somewhere, but I'll have to check that out."

Previous recipients include former Redcar MP, Mo Mowlem.