ONE of the brightest stars of the British paralympics team was enjoying home comforts this week following her return to Teesside.

Tanni Grey-Thompson lived up to her reputation as the world's premier wheelchair racer to win four gold medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 800m events.

Relaxing at home in Redcar, the Welsh-born athlete said the Sydney Games, her fourth paralympics, had been the best yet. "The games were just fantastic," said 31-year-old Tanni. "The crowds were amazing."

Tanni, whose husband Ian is also a wheelchair athlete, said the order of her events helped her secure the tally of golds.

"After I had won the longest and the shortest races, the other two weren't too bad," she said. "I've been pushing really fast times all year - I broke the 400m world record just before the games, so I knew I had a pretty good chance."

Tanni, who was chosen to carry the British flag at the close of the 11-day event, said she is happy to be back in Britain - except for the weather. "It's nice to be home, apart from the cold," she said.

Accompanying her on the return flight was Ken Churchill, of Middlesbrough, who won a gold medal in the javelin. Also back home was Hazel Robson, 21, of New Herrington, near Sunderland. Hazel, who has cerebral palsy, struck gold in the 100m.

Bob Price, chairman of the British Paralympic Association, said the games, in which Britain was ranked second overall, had been the 'greatest ever.'

"The British team is made up of outstanding, talented and committed athletes who have achieved beyond our wildest expectations," he said