Athlete Danny Crates was today celebrating his gold medal in the Athens Paralympics.

Danny, 31, who lost his right arm in a car crash in Australia more than ten years ago, stormed to victory in the 800 metres on Saturday night.

Following the race, Danny celebrated into the night with his family, friends and fans at his hotel bar.

He said: "They know how much this means to me and I can't get my head around it to be honest."

Danny will return to Corringham to a hero's welcome.

Former headteacher John King said he always knew Danny was destined for high places when he was a pupil at Gable Hall School in Corringham.

He said: "It's very simple - Danny is the sort of person the rest of the pupils at the school aspire to be like. He picked himself up off the floor and has become a star."

Danny, a Thurrock Harrier, joined Thurrock Rugby Club and played for the under 15s youth section before moving onto the Colts up until the age of 19.

It was then he decided to go travelling and lost his arm. But it didn't stop him coming back.

Diane Howells, who has been at the club since 1967, said: "We still keep an eye on him and he has popped in a few times.

"We all feel very proud of how he has come through this adversity and have tremendous admiration for him."