COMPETING in a ten-mile race just six weeks after giving birth is not the average mother's idea of relaxation.

But Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson lived up to her reputation as the world's top wheelchair racer by taking part in yesterday's 20th Redcar Half Marathon.

It was her first race since giving birth to daughter Carys in Cardiff last month and, of ten competitors, she finished seventh, with a time of 62min 13secs.

Tanni, who was awarded an OBE for her sporting achievements, said: "I was very glad it was only ten miles, as there were a few ups and downs in the race.

"I was feeling very good at the beginning, but the last mile was tough. I know now what I have got to concentrate on.

"It is a lot easier going training than it is having a baby. It can be fairly chaotic, but she is a good baby. She just eats and sleeps, so she makes my life easier."

Tanni, who lives in Redcar, east Cleveland, competed in the race as part of her build-up to the London Marathon, in April.

Her husband, Dr Ian Thompson, also took part in the event, finishing first with a time of 46min 21secs.

Baby Carys was on hand to inspire her parents - having already accompanied them on a ten-day training trip to Spain.

Tanni, who won four gold medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 800m events at the Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, said she was glad to be back in competition.

Ian, also Tanni's coach, said: "We have missed one or two training sessions since Carys was born, but I think she was worth it."

He also joked that he thought Tanni could be fitter, but she said she was pleased just to be back in training for the London Marathon and Commonwealth Games.

"As Ian is my coach, I am in a bit of a difficult position. All the way through my pregnancy he would remind me about my training.

"I must have a word with him about his nagging," said Tanni.