A GOLD medal winning athlete has called for Teesside students to help her write an important speech.

Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson, who lives in Redcar, asked students and lecturers at Redcar and Cleveland College to give their views on further education, in preparation for a speech she will make about motivation at the Association of Colleges Annual Conference, in November.

She was given a tour of the college and spoke to students, who helped her to compile background information for the conference on Inspiring and Developing the Workforce of the Future.

Ms Grey-Thompson has performed at world-class level in wheelchair events for the past thirteen years and has won 13 paralympic medals, London Marathon medals and world records.

"I am really grateful to Redcar and Cleveland College for letting me speak to its students and lecturers to help me prepare for my speech." she said. "It was of great benefit and reminded me of the commitment local further education colleges have to their students and the communities they serve."

Alan Old, principal of Redcar and Cleveland College, said: "Our students and members of staff felt very lucky to meet such a distinguished athlete whose own achievements are an inspiration to us all."