ATHLETE Danny Crates has been celebrating his gold medal in the Athens Paralympics.

Danny, 31, from Corringham, who lost his right arm in a car crash in Australia more than ten years ago, won the 800 metres.

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

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

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

Former headteacher John King always knew Danny was destined for big things 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.

"We are really delighted for him. He has worked hard and really deserves this.

"He was very sporty at school and very much into rugby.

"Most of the pupils here know who he is and it is just great to see one of our pupils and a local lad achieving so much."

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

"Danny always had determination and I could see it on his face in the race.

"Losing an arm would have been the end of many people's dreams but not for Danny.

"He has certainly put Corringham on the map."