TOP athlete Tanni Grey Thompson marked a new chapter at a Hartlepool school.

The world record-breaking paralympic athlete opened a Home Base at High Tunstall School - classrooms and facilities for students with physical disabilities.

It has been created by extending one of the school buildings, and features a home economics room, a soft play area, an art room and social area.

It also includes a sensory courtyard - an indoor area featuring lighting and planting to stimulate senses.

The opening of the Home Base marks the completion of a larger £1.9m refurbishment at the secondary school.

Ms Grey Thompson performed the opening ceremony before chatting to students and watching them in sports sessions.

Ken Jones, the headteacher at the school, said: "Tanni is a wonderful inspiration for all our students and we were absolutely delighted to welcome her to the school to mark this important new stage in its development.

"The new Home Base and activity rooms have created a more exciting and stimulating environment for all our young people.

"Everyone at the school is dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in teaching, and the new facilities will play an important part in achieving that."